HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16433, 12 July 1915, Page 8

HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

MEETING OF THE SOCIETY. r The mouthy meeting of the Royal New Zealand Society Jor the Health anu Women and Cnildreu was held on Friday in the Town Hall; present—iYlesdames Can* (in tne cliair), Tneoimn, Ross, K. Ramsav, Johnstone, Cunningiiame, Gilkison, K. lioss, Ansoll, and Miss M'Uougall. 'iho Matron of tne Karitane-ilarm Hospital reported as follows Number ot babies admitted, 10; number of baoies discharged, 6; number ol mothers in residence, d; greatest number in residence at any one time, 18 babies, one mother. There were no deaths during tlie month. Number ol babies in on dune SO, 17; number of visitors during the month, 2t12; number of letters written, 115. Oi the 10 babies admitted six were from the Dunedin district and tho others from Ternuka, Mataura, Central Otago, and Green Island respectively. Xheir ages were ; Four v. ueks, live weeks, Six weeks, three months, four months, live and a-half months, six months, 11 months, and 18 months. Several of the babies were very ill on admission, and we had a very anxious time for a while, but I am pleased to report that they are improving daily now. All the other babies are progressing satisfactorily. Dr King gavo several interesting and instructive. lectures, to the nurses, which were greatly appreciated. Nurse Jennings completed iier years of training, and left us this month; the new probationer (Miss Lewin) commenced. Nurse Orton, just finishing her training, was appointed to the position of Plunket Nurse at Oamaru. Nurse Allen is still away on sick leave. Gifts were received from Mrs Theomin, Mrs Johnstone, Mrs Owen, Mrs Hamilton, and Miss Scott. Three mothers with babies camo in for one day to weigh before and after nursing. Owing to a temporary shortago of the nursing staff the nurfes were asked to work a 10 hour duty instead of the usual eight. They one and all did this cheerfully and willingly. The Plunket Nurse's report for the month was as follows: —Number of babies under care, 815; new cases, 38; solely breast fed, 69; partially breast fed, 39; prospective mothers advised, 10; visits to homes, 795; visits to office (adults and babies), 225; letters written, 10; letters received, 11; bottles of humanised milk sent out from tho T. and Dairy Co., 7158. Whooping cough is still prevalent, and. as these cases cannot be visited, advice is given by telephone. Many of the babies are suffering from colds. Quite a number of older cases ranging from one year and upwards have been called upon, and it is pleasing to note that the society's methods are being followed. Wo aro glad to see that the number of visits to the Plunket office is steadily increasing, thus saving much of the nurses' valuablo time.

As a result of tho deputation to the Education Board a letter has been received from tho secretary, of which the following is an extract: With reference to the request of your society that facilities bo granted for the giving by Plunket nurses of lectures regarding the care of infants to the girls of tho upper standards of the primaryschools, I have to infom you that the board has now decided to roler the matter to the inspectors of schools to bring up a report as to the advisability of arranging for courses of lectures by Plunket Nurses at various centres throughout Otago. Dr Frengley, Deputy Chief Health Officer, has forwarded a copy of a letter received from Mr E. Clifton, the New Zealand Commissioner at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, San Francisco, which reads We are receiving many inquiries from various organisations of special workers and philanthropic bodies. Among these is an inquiry for all particulars relating to the Plunket and district nurses, also regarding the provisions for tho protection of infant life. It was observed that a publication has lately been issued entitled the Plunket Magazine. It will be very much esteemed if you will bo good enough to forward mo a supply of literature relative to these subjects. Dr King's activities ore recognised hero. You will, however, know tho most desirable literature to forward mo on this subject, and kindly allow it to bo a liberal supply." The society has forwarded to Mr Clifton a large parcel of literature connected with the society's work, including copies of " Tho Care ami Feeding of the Baby." The Union Company ia generously shipping this parcel to Mr Clifton free of cost.

Following up the appeal for funds sent out in circular form some weeks ago, tho ladies report a generous and ready response to their personal canvass. This "is especially gratifying when it is realised how many calls are being made upon tho public. The need is a very pressing one, and further efforts must still 'be made. Tho urgent necessity of completing the installation of the drying apparatus in <he laundry at the hospital was again mentioned. The contractor's estimate (£56) was quoted. As soon as the committee can see its way to meet this expenditure this absolutely nerrssary requirement (especially in winter) will be put in hand. Tho new matron (Miss Morgan) has taken un her position at the Karitane-Harris Hospital.

The hon. treasurer acknowledges the receipt of numerous subscriptions and donations, many of which are in response to tho above-mentioned special appeal, also the receipt of £22 6s 6d for maintenance. Mrs Gibbs reported that 59 bundles of baby's clothing wero almost ready for shipment. with tho exception of flannel nightdresses and cotton crepe frocks. Gifts of these would bo very acceptable, and would enable tho complete outfits to bo sent to England without delay.