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CONVALESCENCE. Number of cases sent away during 1950:-
Children under 5 years:-
to "Transferred" Homes 19
to other Homes 80
TOTAL: 99
Mothers with babies
6
In "Transferred" Homes no charge is made to the parents or to the Council. These
Homes are controlled by the Regional Hospital Boards and are mainly for children who require
medical and nursing care during their convalescence.
The cost of maintenance at the other Homes is borne by the Council but, under the
revised scale of assessment which came into force during the earlier part of the year a
charge is made to the parent, according to means, up to a maximum of 10/6d. per week for a
mother with a baby under one year of age. A further charge with a maximum of 10/6d. weekly
may be made in respect of each additional child over one year of age who may accompany a
mother and baby.
The number of mothers and babies who were sent away during the year was smaller than
had been hoped. After many enquiries a Home was eventually found which catered for this
type of convalescence and arrangements were duly made for West Ham mothers to be received
with their babies; but unfortunately a number of unexpected difficulties arose after the
arrangements had only been in operation for a short while and this service had to be suspended
for some months. It is pleasing to be able to report, however, that the management
of the home was alive to the difficulties and was most cordially sympathetic towards the
suggestions made for overcoming them, and at the end of the year there seemed every prospect
that these facilities would soon become available again for cases recommended by West Ham.
The administration of the convalescent arrangements continued in the very capable
hands of the Invalid Children's Aid Association who, at the Council1s suggestion, willingly
extended their scope to include the "mother and baby" service. The skilled help which is
given by this Association is a very material factor in the success of the convalescent
schemes and cannot be too highly praised.
SPECIALIST CLINICS. The same service as in previous years was available to
children under five at the specialist clinics administered by the School Health Service.
The clinics available were Ophthalmic, Ear Nose and Throat, Paediatric, Child Guidance and
Speech Therapy.
RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH NEIGHBOURING BOROUGHS. By agreement with the neighbouring
local authorities mothers and children are able to attend the clinic most convenient to
their home, whether this is situated in their own borough or in a neighbouring area. During
the year 33 children and one expectant mother resident within the areas of neighbouring
authorities attended West Ham Clinics. It is also known that some West Ham residents
attended clinics in other areas, but precise figures are not available.
30