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39.
that they have received training in specialised departments
of nursing.
It is apparent, therefore, that all our Health Visitors
are highly trained women and well equipped by their
training for their duties.
Under the supervision of the medical officers, and
on information supplied under the provisions of the
Notification of Births Acts, 1907 and 1915, the Health
Visitors visit the homes of new-born infants, especially
giving attention to the poorer homes, and put themselves
in touch with the mothers as soon as possible
after the doctor or midwife has ceased attendance, or
on their discharge from the Maternity Home or Hospital.
They teach mothercraft generally, and particularly in
reference to breast feeding and the care and nursing of
the infant, and concern themselves also with any other
health questions that may come under their observation.
The work of the Health Visitors is co-ordinated and
directed from the Town Hall, and they also attend
systematically at the Infant Welfare Centres, to which
mothers are encouraged to bring their babies periodically
for continuous supervision by the medical officers, in
reference to the maintenance of good health. At the
Centres minor ailments necessarily come under consideration.
but it is kept steadily in view that the Centres
exist, not as dispensaries for the treatment of sick children,
but for the guidance of mothers in the successful
care of their normally developing infants.
Every effort is made to secure the sympathy and
co-operation of the local medical practitioners and of
the medical officers of hospitals in the vicinity, and
also of the agencies of the London County Council
responsible for district midwifery and for the School
Medical Service. The general willingness that exists
on the part of all these various persons and organisations
to cordially reciprocate these efforts is gratefully
acknowledged. Of course, there are exceptions, where