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5
The Infantile Mortality statistics viz.69 per thousand
births, show an increase on the figure of 57 per thousand births
for 1916.
Notwithstanding the fact that this year's rate is higher
than last, it is low compared with the figures for England and
Wales, and compares very favourably with the rates for the rest
of the County.
The number of notifications of Infectious Diseases for the
year under consideration is 353—a somewhat large increase on
the notifications for last year. It must be remembered however,
that Measles, as last year, is still compulsorily notifiable and an
epidemic of Measles occuring in April and May, forms a very
large proportion of the number of Infectious Cases notified.
With the exception of Measles, the figures show a
gratifying decrease as compared with those for last year.
Since my last Report, a part-time Health Visitor—Miss
Naylor—has been appointed. She has worked in conjunction
with the Voluntary Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, and has
paid an average of 60 visits per month to mothers, etc.
As only the initial part of her work comes within the
period covered by this Report, I am not in a position to
report at any length upon it. I should, however, like to take
this opportunity of expressing my complete satisfaction with
the way in which Miss Naylor has performed her various
duties and also for her extremely useful work and assistance
both in connection with the Medical Department and the
Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, which I much appreciate.
As you are aware, the Council has under consideration
a scheme providing for the taking over of the present Voluntary
Welfare Centre, establishing a second Clinic and Day Nursery
and the appointment of a whole-time Lady Superintendent, a
whole-time Health Visitor and a Nurse Attendant for the Day
Nursery.
I am convinced that the Council, acting upon my
suggestion, have taken a step in the right direction and that
the arrangement contemplated for the extension of this very
important part of our work will justify its inception.