Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]
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Maternity and Child Welfare.
There is one other large institution in the Borough for the
accommodation of 60 children up to the age of five years.
There are five institutions or hostels in the Borough for
the reception of expectant unmarried mothers, all in connection
with rescue work. In two of them the mothers are admitted
some months previous to the confinement, while in three they
are admitted towards the end of pregnancy. In most of these
homes the mothers are expected to remain some months after
confinement. Arrangements have been made for a medical
man to attend at each hostel when necessary, and some of the
infants attend the most convenient Infant Welfare Centre.
In 1928 the Council received an application from the Southwark
Diocesan Association for Preventive and Rescue Work,
for a grant towards the maintenance of unmarried mothers,
usually resident in the Borough, in the institutions of the
Association, and it was decided to make a per capita grant for
each resident so maintained, the total amount in any one year
not to exceed £200. During 1931, 18 cases were maintained
by the Council at a cost of £144 8s. 11d.
The Council also made a grant not exceeding £40 a year to
the Mission of Hope, and one case was dealt with, the cost of
which amounted to £7. 12s.
Convalescent Homes.
During the year seven mothers were sent to Convalescent
Homes, with their infants. Nine other children were also sent.
Both mothers and children derived much benefit from the change
of air.
Wandsworth and Tooting Children's Clinic.
This Clinic which was opened by Her Royal Highness Princess
Mary on the 22nd June, 1931, was established for providing
artificial sunlight, massage and electrical treatment for children
of all ages. 318 children have been treated during the year and
they have made 9,031 attendances. 145 of these children were
under the age of five years and most of these cases received artificial
sunlight treatment.
The Council pays a grant towards the expenses of this Clinic.