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68 Report of the Medical Officer of Health for 1930.
Convalescent Homes.
During the year 10 mothers were sent to Convalescent
Homes, eight of them taking their infants with them. 23 other
children were also sent. Both mothers and children derived
much benefit from the change of air.
Supply of Milk.
The Council decided on the 11th April, 1918, to supply
under the Milk (Mothers and Children) Order, milk free of cost
to necessitous expectant and nursing mothers, and to children
under five years of age. This scheme came into force on the
1st May, 1918, and is now being operated in accordance with
the provisions laid down by the Ministry of Health in Circular
185, dated March, 1921.
During the year, 843 families were supplied with milk
under the above scheme:— 136 in Clapham; 40 in Putney;
148 in Balham; 122 in Streatham; 118 in Tooting; 30 in
Southfield; 169 in Fairfield; and 80 in Springfield. The total
cost to the Council was £2,144 14s. l1d.
Women and children in receipt of milk under the Council's
scheme are expected to attend the Welfare Centre during the
time that the milk is being granted, though this rule is not
enforced in cases where there is some very good reason for the
mother's non-attendance.
There is little doubt that many mothers and children have
benefited from the supply of free milk since the scheme was
instituted. In many cases the milk granted has enabled nursing
mothers to prolong the period of lactation, and the records kept
at the Welfare Centres show good results in the health and
general well-being of many infants.
Dental Treatment.
The teeth of mothers and children are examined as a
routine by the Medical Officers at the Welfare Centres, and
those requiring treatment are advised to attend at the Dental
Clinic of the British Dental Hospital; 7, Defoe Road, Tooting.