[Report 1947] / Medical Officer of Health, Ashford U.D.C.

  • Ashford (Kent, England). Urban District Council.
Date:
1947
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1947] / Medical Officer of Health, Ashford U.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    The total number of premature babies notified during 1947 was 17, of whom 4 were born at home and 13 in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. One born in a Nursing Home died. These infants are carefully supervised in their homes by the Health Visitors and draught-proof cots, electric blankets, hot-water bottles, special foods, etc., are issued from the Welfare Centre if required. The welfare of illegitimate children and their mothers is under- taken by the Canterbury Diocesan Council, on behalf of the Council who give financial assistance when necessary. Much credit is due to these voluntary workers who have dealt with many difficult cases so successfully. During 1947, 3 mothers and their illegitimate children were satisfactorily assisted, and their circumstances re-habilitated. The average attendance in the 50-place Day Nursery was 40 during the year. There is no doubt that this service is invaluable to the small group of mothers who benefit from it. The children are taken by special bus have breakfast, dinner and tea and are well cared for by trained staff. A scale of charges is made proportionate to the household income. It is to be regretted, however, that a minority of mothers do not seem to appreciate the excellent service which their children receive and have often made complaints which upon investigation were without any foundation and which were apparently designed to upset the administration and staff of the Nursery. The Matron merits the high regard of the Council for her untiring devotion to duty and her efficient conduct of the Nursery. k Di Maternity and Child Welfare Figures. Number of births notified as adjusted by transferred notifications. (a) Live Births .. . . . . .. 482 (b) Still Births . . . . . . . . 11 (c) Total .. .. .. .. 493 Health Visiting. Number of Health Visitors employed by the Council . . .. .. .. 2 Number of visits paid during the year :— (a) To Expectant mothers. First visits .. 136 Total visits .. 252 (b) To children under one year of age First visits .. 430 Total visits .. 2,234 (c) To children between the ages of 1 and 5 years Total visits .. 2,758