London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wandsworth 1921

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]

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109
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
all day. 12 mothers with their babies were received during the
year. This home had to be closed for financial reasons. In
another, where the mothers learn glove and stocking making in
the home, 12 mothers were received during the year. In another,
130 mothers passed through the home during the year,
the number of births being 127. In the fourth, 15 mothers
passed through the Home, one only staying a week, the number
of births being 14.
One hostel, also in connection with rescue work, does not
receive pre-maternity cases, but makes arrangements for the
confinement. The mother is expected to remain 12 months—she
has three months' training in the home in domestic work, and
then goes out to daily work. 24 mothers and 24 babies passed
through the home during the year, 18 being discharged for
various reasons.
In all the above hostels arrangements have been made for a
medical man to attend when necessary. Some of the infants
attend at the most convenient Infant Welfare Centre.
Stil-Births.
Investigations were made into the cases of 56 still-births,
nine of which were premature and 14 were difficult labours, 23
were delivered by midwives, 12 occurred in institutions, and 21
were doctors' cases.
Advice was given as to the care of the health of the mother,
and in the event of her again becoming pregnant she was invited
to attend the Ante-natal Clinic.
Convalescent Homes.
During the year five mothers with infants and seven children
were sent to Convalescent Homes. Six children were sent
to the John Horniman Home at Worthing, and four mothers- and
infants to the Mothers' Rest Home, Hampstead, one mother and
child to the Catherine Gladstone Home, Mitcham, and one child
to St. John's Home, Brighton.