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8. Convalescent Treatment.
Provision is made for the accommodation of mothers and children,
selected upon medical grounds, in certain recognised convalescent
homes, admission being made either direct or, in the case of children,
through the Invalid Children's Aid Association. During 1936, 10 cases
were sent away.
9. Hospital Provision for Infants.
(a) Deptford Babies' Hospital, Breakspears Road.
During the year under review, continued use was made of the
facilities afforded at this hospital, established for the dietetic treatment
of ailing infants and for difficulties associated with breast-feeding. The
accommodation consists of 16 cots, together with two beds for mothers
and infants and two cots for isolation purposes, while the breast-feeding
clinic is housed in a detached building.
The following cases received treatment:—
117 children admitted, of which 41 were sent by the Borough
Council.
630 test feeds were conducted at the Breast-feeding Clinic, of
which all were sent by the Borough Council.
30 mothers with infants were admitted as in-patients for restoration
of breast-feeding.
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 six 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 1936, the following free or half-price issues were authorised:—
11,009 families were given fortnightly supplies.