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104
to this hostel with very satisfactory results. During 1932, seven
mothers with their infants were referred for treatment.
(2) Out-patient Treatment. This is provided in order that "test
feeds" may be carried out.
"Test Feeds" are also conducted at the Town Hall and Harton
Street. During 1932, 219 "Test Feeds" were so undertaken.
10. Supply of Milk and Accessory Foods.
The Borough Council's scheme provides for the issue of fluid and
dried milk, at full cost, or free, or at half-cost, according to a Scale of
Necessity, to
(a) Expectant mothers during the last three months of pregnancy.
(b) Nursing mothers.
(c) Children up to three years, also, in exceptional circumstances
to children between three and five years of age.
The issue is in general accordance with the Minister of Health's
Circular No. 185.
Various brands of dried milk are issued, labelled specially to the
Council's directions to avoid the use of trade names.
In 1932, the following free or half-price issues were authorised:—
21,671 families were given fortnightly supplies.
Fluid milk formed the bulk of this supply, dried milk being issued
only on the recommendation of the Centre Medical Officers.
During the year it was observed that an increasing number of
persons came within the Council's Scale of Necessity with a corresponding
increase in the total amount of milk supplied.
Issues of Cod Liver Oil and Malt and Virol are made upon medical
advice to debilitated children, the parent paying cost price, where able.
11. Compensation to Midwives.
Where an expectant mother, referred to the Ante-natal Clinic by a
midwife with whom she has "booked," is found to be suffering from
some abnormality which necessitates her confinement in hospital, the
Council pay to the midwife a portion of her prospective fee which would
be otherwise lost. In three instances this policy was carried into effect,
involving a total expenditure of £1 10s.