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22
Leaflets are distributed.
Cases of confinement, unattended by a doctor, are afterwards
watched, and in cases of illness, the attendance of a
doctor is advised.
The prevalence of diarrhoea in the intensely hot and dry
summer was anticipated, and the mothers were very urgently
warned to take measures to avoid the danger. The mothers
not only appreciated the risks their own children ran, but, by
communication with their neighbours at home, information
was widely spread, generally with good results.
The evil dependent upon the plague of flies was specially
dwelt upon, and advice was given to combat the trouble.
Among the ailments which came most frequently under
notice at the meetings, were disordered digestion, sore eyes,
and ears, commencing rickets, and minor respiratory troubles.
Advice on treatment and prevention was frequently given,
and in cases of more serious illness, the mother was advised
to consult her own doctor.
The mothers are visited in their homes by Mrs. Keif, the
voluntary Health Visitor of the Society, who during the year
paid 238 visits. Mrs. Keif was for some years a Sister at the
Evelina Hospital for Sick Children, and she has undertaken the
visiting, and teaches cleanliness, sanitation, economy, responsibility
and self-respect, by individual instruction and occasional
lectures. She also attends at the weekly meetings in
conjunction with a lady doctor—Dr. Mordaunt, or the Medical
Officer of Health. A report is made to the Committee, and
the M.O.H. once a month.