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63
Three mothers went to convalescent homes with their children
(under 5) during 1943. These mothers did not contribute towards
the cost, being below the income level scale.
Five orthopaedic appliances were provided, and of these, one
parent paid part cost.
The central office of the Invalid Children's Aid Association set
up a committee during the year, to consider the need for additional
post-war provision of convalescent home treatment for children
under five years of age.
WAR-TIME NURSERIES.
New Nurseries.
Three additional war-time nurseries were opened, two on the
15th November, 1943, and the other on 1st December, 1943. Each
of these new nurseries is for 50 children from 0—5 years. The
nurseries are pre-fabricated temporary structures, the material being
hollow clay blocks, and the roof asbestos. Three rooms are provided
for the children, so that a division into three age groups can be made.
This is a most valuable measure both in the prevention of spread
of infection and in facilitating the provision of daily routine suited
to each of the age groups. These nurseries are a marked improvement
on the type of nursery provided earlier in the war, both in
material and design. The spaciousness of the nursery rooms is
appreciated, and is only lacking in the size of kitchen provided.
Staff.
At the end of the year there were eight nurseries in the
Borough, and one residential nursery at Hertford. The staff
comprised 89 members. Thirty-four were students training for the
National Society of Children's Nurses Diploma and 55 were trained
staff. The standard of work was maintained at high level. The
interest and co-operation of the staff has been outstanding, and the
success of the three new nurseries has been due in a large measure
to the enthusiasm and hard work of the matrons and nursery teachers.
The nurseries were all affiliated to the National Society of
Children's Nurseries, and recognised for training purposes. Four