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18
MATERNITY AND INFANT WELFARE REPORT.
It was with much regret that one had to report the retirement
of Dr. Doherty on the occasion of her marriage. She
had most efficiently carried on the work of the Centre for the
past four years, and will he much missed by the mothers and
the workers alike. The Clinic is fortunate in having Dr.
Brand as her successor, one who is already fully identified with
the special work required.
The newly-formed Centre at Roxeth has increased its numbers
substantially during the year and is undoubtedly greatly
appreciated. The general health of the infants has been
good. Of fifteen difficult cases five were transferred to
the Observation Ward, Holmleigh, where they have all
done well and increased in weight. Two of these were
premature and weighed only 3½ and 33/4 lbs. respectively at
birth.
It is to be regretted that so many of the new cases are
artificially fed on arrival. If the mother's friends would assist
her to persevere with the breast feeding, or persuade her to take
the advice of her doctor before giving it up, there would be
many more physically fit babies at the end of the year. It is of
course recognised that many mothers from the first, are quite
unable to nurse their infants.
Very sincere thanks are due to the Superintendents,
Health Visitors, and the Voluntary workers for their wholehearted
efforts on behalf of the mothers and Infants.
MASSAGE CLINIC.
With regard to this Clinic, Miss E. Helen Townsend reports
that 43 cases received Massage Treatment viz.. 7 cases of
Infantile Paralysis, 3 Talipes, 1 Congenital Dislocation, 5
Fractures, 2 Rickets, 8 with fiat feet, 7 with weak ankles, 1
with bowleg, 2 with knock-knee, 1 general debility, 5 with
paralysis, 1 with pigeon breast.
26 cases received Remedial Treatment, 2 for muscular
back weakness, 14 referred for breathing exercises after tonsils
and adenoid operations.
Miss Townsend states that the school cases were almost
invariably spinal curvature, faulty posture, and bad general
development or paralysis. It will be seen how very important
the treatment of these children is, since they had no other
means of obtaining the remedial gymnastics so necessary to
their cure.