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FOREWORD.
The year 1941 was very satisfactory In every way, and showed
marked progress in many directions.
The Intent Welfare Clinics were well attended during the year,
and the Ante-Natal Clinics had record attendances (namely 7,583), showing
a total increase in the actual attendances of 1,938 above those for 1940.
The Post-Natal Clinic also shows a healthy increase in the number of women
availing themselves of this service.
The Council's Evacuated Nursery at Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is
now well established in that arsa where it accommodates 28 children under
5 years of age. Many problems were experienced during the year on
account of the shortage of staff, but fortunately the health of the children
was good.
The evacuation, of expectant mothers under the Government Scheme at
the eighth month of pregnancy was still popular as the figures in this
report will indicate.
The following extensions to the service have been introduced
during the year. I feel that this progress is very noteworthy bearing in
mind the difficulties of expansion in such an abnormal period:-
(a) The Nursery at Fore Street, Edmonton, was officially re-opened as a
War-time Nursery on August 5th, 1941, with accommodation for 40
children. By the end of the year plans were being considered for
the extension of the premises, together with the question of a
scheme of War-time Nurseries for the district.
(b) An Advisory Clinic was introduced in November, 1941 to run in
conjunction with the Post-Natal Clinic.
(c) Free meals for expectant and nursing mothers can now be obtained
at British Restaurants in the district where the women come
within the Council's scale for assistance.
(d) By the end of the year a Scheme had been introduced for the
administration of gas and air analgesia to women during their
confinements, and it is hoped that this will, be a popular
service,, Prior to its introduction the midwives were sent
to the North Middlesex County Hospital for a course of training.
(e) In November 1941 arrangements were made with the Education
Committee for children under 5 years of age to attend their
Sunlight Clinic, This means that the children can now remain
under the supervision of the Council's Medical Staff.
(f) The Departments arc now responsible for the distribution of
clothing coupons to all expectant mothers in the district.
(g) Under a scheme of co-operation with the local branch of the
Women's Voluntary Services, medical examinations are carried
out in respect of children under five years of age for whom
that Organisation make arrangements for evacuation.
I should like to express my appreciation to the Members of the
Maternity and Child Welfare' Committee and to the Members of the Staff for
their co-operation during the year.
The following information will give some indication of the work
carried out by the Department during the year 1941:-