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The fact that in 1938 as in the year before, the Council's
midwife was able to secure the attendance of all her cases at
the ante-natal clinics confirms the view expressed in last year's
report that the arrangement whereby a salaried midwife is an
officer of the Maternity and Child Welfare Authority is the
most effective means of securing the greatest measure of medical
supervision for expectant mothers in the district.
According to notices received by the County Council there
were 16 midwives practising in the district, four of whom were
salaried midwives appointed under the County Scheme and five
members of the staff of the Nelson Hospital. In addition, three
members of the staff of the Wimbledon District Nursing
Association practise in Merton and Morden.
Voluntary Helpers. As in previous years, the scheme had
the benefit of the very valuable assistance of a band of voluntary
workers who now number 39. Only long experience in
the organisation of such voluntary service by tactful Health
Visitors can produce the degree of efficiency attained by the
local scheme.
Child Life Protection. The Health Visitors are appointed
Inspectors under the Child Life Protection provisions of the
Public Health Act, 1936.
Strict control is exercised over foster homes and
particular attention is paid to the welfare of foster children.
The following are the main facts relating to the administration
of these provisions during the year:—
Registered homes under supervision during the year 40
Registered homes under supervision at end of year 30
New homes registered during the year 16
Children on the register at the end of the year 31
Children brought on to the register during the year 40
Children removed out of the district 14
Visits paid to nurse children 381
Children died during the year Nil
Legal proceedings Nil
Slipper Baths and Cleansing Station. Plans and specifications
were prepared for a block of Slipper Baths providing
twelve baths for adults and two for children at Aston Road,
Raynes Park. Incorporated in the building is a self-contained
section for cleansing persons suffering from scabies and other
verminous conditions. Since the end of the year a start was
made on the construction which it is anticipated will be completed
in July, 1939.
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