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26
MATERNAL AND CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
The work of the Maternity Centres on the whole has been very satisfactory
throughout the year, the attendances being well maintained.
The number of children from two years of age upwards, however, still
falls short of what it should be, and every encouragement should be
given to mothers to bring their children periodically for examination.
The general unsatisfactory condition of the Centres has been a
matter of concern for some considerable time. Suitable sites have been
sought in vain. The Slum Clearance campaign has, however, solved
the difficulty, and the Council has decided, either itself or through the
County Council, to earmark suitable sites for the construction of modern
Centres.
Sterilised maternity outfits are obtainable at the Centres at reduced
prices, and a home help is provided to assist mothers when necessary.
There are no Municipal Maternity and Nursing Homes in the
Borough.
The number of midwives practising in the Borough is approximately
38.
ADDITIONAL MATERNITY SERVICES.
Following receipt of Circular 1433, the Council has now, in accordance
with the Ministry of Health's suggestions, further augmented their
Maternity services by the addition of the following:—
(1) Skilled nursing for patients confined at home.
(2) Provision of Consultants to aid Medical Practitioners in
plicated cases of midwifery.
(3) Provision of Maternity beds.
(4) Nursing of children under five. (Measles, whooping cough,
influenza, pneumonia, diarrhoea, etc.)
These services will function as from April 1st, 1935.
INFANT MORTALITY.
The Infant Mortality rate of 77 shows a considerable increase on
that of the previous year. This increase is due entirely to the severe
Measles epidemic experienced in the early part of the year. The number
of deaths due directly or indirectly to this disease was 57, as compared
with 19 during 1933.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
There were 6 maternal deaths during 1934; 3 as a result of Puerperal
Fever, and 3 from other causes, as indicated in the tables on the next
page.