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76
The number of cases assisted during the last five years was 1,140.
Convalescent Home Treatment.—It has not been necessary to
make any alteration to the agreement which has existed for some
years between the Council and the Invalid Children's Aid Association
under which the Association arranges, on behalf of the Council,
convalescent home treatment. Under this arrangement the Council
is not required to meet any cost other than that which the parents
are not able to contribute towards the actual cost of the treatment
provided at the convalescent home, or which is not forthcoming
from charitable sources.
During 1930 arrangements were made for the convalescence of
35 children. Payments to the Invalid Children's Aid Association
during the year amounted to £93 17s. 5d.
During the past five years 151 children have been sent to
convalescent homes.
Midwifery Assistance.—The Council does not employ a midwife
but, in order to meet the needs of those mothers who desire to be
confined in their own homes and are unable to pay a midwife's fee,
the Council adopted a scheme in 1920 under which it accepts financial
responsibility for the whole or part of the cost of a midwife's
services.
Application for assistance under this scheme is made upon
a printed form, showing the size and income of the family, the
name of the midwife to be engaged, the fee to be charged and other
relevant information. The statements made in the form are verified
by the Health Visitor, and the Medical Officer of Health considers
each application with a view to making an appropriate recommendation
to the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee as to
the suitability of the case for assistance and the sum to be paid
by the Council.
The fees of midwives in attendance on 24 mothers were paid
by the Council during the year, the payments by the Council
totalling £21 13s. 6d. The number of cases dealt with during the
last five years was 179.
Home Heljps.—No application was received during 1930 for
the assistance of a "home help" under the maternity and child
welfare scheme.
Nursing Assistance.—-A description of the scheme in operation
in the Borough for professional nursing in the homes of sick persons
is set out on page 29 of this report.