INFANT WELFARE

Evening Star, Issue 16677, 8 March 1918, Page 5

INFANT WELFARE

CENTRE ESTABLISHED AT SOUTH MELBOURNE. Aitar several consultations with the local health officer. South Melbourne Council have decided to establish an infant welfare centre. Iho hcajih officer informed councillors that pt the /2 deaths of infants which occurred in the district in 1917, -.-0 per cent, were caused by sonic bowel trouble, nearly Ml brought on by lack of knowledge concerning’ tnc proper treatment of infants. The resolutions adopted are :—(a) That a centre bo forthwith established for the 'assistance of mothers and prospective mothers; (b) that a room bo set apart at tho Town Hall whore mothers may, at fixed times, consult doctor and nurse; (c) that a nurse -bo engaged bv iho council; (d) that the health officer be empowered to make all necessary a.rrantrenients at a cost not to exceed £250 per annum; (e) that Port Melbourne Council be asked to join in the cost of expenditure and treatment, and tho Government bo asked shore in cost of maintenance. It was explained prior to the adoption of tnese resolutions that, besido the giving of instruction by nurse and doctor, the former will make periodical visits to tho homes of infants to ensure that the proper treatment is being applied', that the infants of the district receive proper food and exercise, and that mothers are not neglected during tho nursing period. =