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105
During the year it was decided to employ resident probationers, and
to train them to obtain certificates as trained children's nurses, providing
them with board and lodging, and a small weekly payment as pocket
money, instead of the system of engaging non-resident probationers at a
small salary.
This system is as yet on its trial, and has to be proven. The staff
consists of a matron, a trained children's nurse, and three probationers,
a cook, laundress and cleaner.
The improvement in the appearance and health of the children is
quite noticeable, and by giving their mothers an opportunity of earning
additional money the standard or the whole family must necessarily
improve. The number of attendances of children during the year was
9,459.
CONVALESCENT TREATMENT.
An arrangement was entered into between the Borough Council and
the Invalid Children's Aid Association, by which the Council undertook
part payment for children under 5 years of age sent to Convalescent
Homes by the Invalid Childrens Aid Association, and 90 children were
thus assisted to have the necessary treatment and fresh air to restore
them to health.
Six children were referred to the Guardians for convalescence.
Sixty mothers and babies were sent away for holiday from the
Mayor's Fund.
Several cases were referred to the Southwark Invalid Kitchen
Society for dinners.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
The number of deaths in 1929, due directly to pregnancy or childbirth
was 7.
Of these 5 were due to septic causes, and 2 were from other accidents
incidental to labour.
In a few instances antenatal teaching might have benefited these
patients and the antenatal examination might have revealed a preventable
cause, but in the greater number the cause only arises at or after labour,
when antenatal teaching or examination would have been of no avail.