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For the year 1919 the totals were:—
New cases, 375. Old cases, 1,705.
Prior to June the Clinic was held on one afternoon weekly, but the
attendances became so great in this month—96 new and 400 old
cases—that a second afternoon was decided upon. This increased
facility for consultation was appreciated by the mothers, as evidenced by
the increased attendances of old cases, the ratio of these to new steadily
rising during the last six months of the year. This increase of old cases
may be more apparent than real in the last quarter, as November and
December were cold months, and most of the days were unsuitable for
very young babies to be taken to the Clinic.
Under existing conditions the work is very much hampered, and
cannot expand as it might otherwise, and it is to be hoped that the
Council will be shortly in a position to carry out their original scheme
of 1919.
No drug treatment is given at the Clinic with the exception of grey
powders, but accessory articles of food are sold at cost price, viz., cod
liver oil, malt extract, Virol, Parrish's chemical food, and the dried
milk—Glaxo.
No lectures or demonstrations are given owing to the unsuitability
and lack of room in the existing premises, but it is felt that, with suitable
buildings, these could be undertaken, and a very large number of
mothers would gladly attend.
The Council is much indebted to the voluntary workers, and Dr.
Harding speaks highly of and appreciates their services.
"Brookscroft" Voluntary Centre.—In 1914, "The
Walthamstow Child Welfare Society" was founded by Dr. Elliott and
has since worked in co-operation with the Public Health Authority.
During 1920 the scope of its work as originally contemplated has
been much extended, and in April three "Observation Wards''
containing 12 beds have been opened for the reception of little
patients suffering from nutritional and allied disorders.