HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 16

HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

ANNUAL REPORT

The third annual report of the committee of the Society for the Health of Women and children, to be presented to the annual meeting this week, contains the following: A special feature of the past year has been the holding of two general conferences —one in Wellington in October, 1909, and the other in Dunedin in March, 1910. These conferences were attended by representatives of the various centres. Much interest was taken in the proceedings, and resolutions from the different branches were dealt with. Many of these were of vital interest to the community, as the following will show: —(1) That the establishment of local branches of the society in small townships and remote places where, a Plunket 'nurse could not be supported by the local community should be further extended on the lines already initiated, such branches to be visited by Plunket nurses from the large centres or by specially appointed travelling Plunket nurses; the constitution, powers, privileges, financial and other responsibilities of the sub-branches to be arranged by the centres in connection with which they may be established, subject to confirmation at annual meeting. (2) It was decided to approach the Government with the view of rendering illegal the importation, sale, or use of long-tube feeders, in accordance with the regulations in France and elsewhere. (3) That a specially trained nurse should be appointed as a lecturer to tour .the Dominion in the interest* of the society's mission, and to further enlighten the public as to the aims and objects of the society and the work of the Plunket nurses. (4) That a scheme for the provision of four travelling Plunket nurses for the Dominion be at once inaugurated. (5) That the Plunket nurse established at one of the centres of each large area spend three or four months in every year travelling throughout the whole district lecturing, demonstrating, and promoting the formation and effective working of new sub-centres, etc. (§) That each Plunket nurse spend, say, a week or a fortnight every year at the Karitane Baby Hospital, so that she may be kept in intimate contact with all practical advances arrived at during the year. (7) That the Minister be approached with the object of preventing the sale of the indiarubber device known variously as the " dummy," comforter, pacifier, or infant soother, in view of the fact that it has been abundantly shown not only to give rise to indigestion and malnutirtion in infants, but also to cause grave structural changes in mouth, nose, and throat, and to be largely associated with the establishment of mouth breathing and adenoids and a host of diseases caused or predisposed to by these conditions (This whole subject is fully dealt with in the society's new book.) (8) That persons who are responsible for the placing and upbringing of children boarded out by the State be interested as much as is possible in the methods advocated by this society; also that persona having the care of boarded-out infants and young children in their homes be instructed as to the proper feeding of the same. It is recognised that the annual conferences, besides bringing tho.se intimately associated with the working of the society into touch, also tend to rouse further public interest by giving an opportunity to each branch to bring forward local views with regard to matters that may prove of advantage to the society as a whole. Dr Truby King wias appointed general president of the society in the Dominion. One of the primary objects which the society set before it at its inception was " to investigate the circumstances under which waifs and strays are at present kept, especially during the first 12 months of life, and so far as possible to make provision for ther proper care where they are found to be improperly housed or treated." This was before the new Infant Life Protection Act was passed. When the new act came into force in January, 1908, it was felt that a better era had begun for the hapless little ones. As special nurses were to be appointed, it seemed that all would go well. We pictured thoroughly trained, good, sensible women who knew what was necessary for the health and hygiene of the children, and who would be welcome visitors and friends—not mere inspectors — in the licensed homes. It was hoped that your committee would be able to work with them, but it was soon made clear that there was to be no mutual helpfulness—in Dunedin, at all events. Stilh. it was felt that the babies would be better cared for, and that as lime went on all traces of distrust would pass away, and that we should at length work in harmony. At the general conference, held in Wellington last October, the Christchurch society brought forward resolutions bearing on the question, but at the instance of the president they were withdrawn at that time'. . The matter then lapsed until March, when, at the general conference in Dunedin, the Christchurch society again brought the matter forward, and the resolutions with regard to children under the control of the State, before enumerated, were passed. The week following the conference a baby from a licensed home died at the Karitane Hospital, to which it had been taken two days before in a very emaciated condition, unable to suck, and practically moribund. The first intimation the society had of the occurrence was a newspaper notice that an inquest was to be held. The evidence at the inquest seemed to members of your committee to indicate so clearly that more knowledge with regard to the care and hygiene of the baby was desirable, and, indeed, necessary, on the uart of the inspector that at the usual monthly meeting the following resolution was passed:—That under private guarantees which have been received the society offer to the Minister of Education the immediate services for three months of a nurse thoroughly trained and skilled in the feeding and care of children for the special safeguarding of infants in licensed homes in the district controlled from Dunedin, this offer being made with a view to enabling the •authorities to have the present or _ some other inspector thoroughly trained in the needs of baby life at the Karitane Hospital, the training being offered 'free for this purpose. It was also arranged that a deputation should wait on the Minister of Education, who happened to be in Dunedin on the day of the meeting. This deputation placed before the Minister the whole history of the society's connection with the Infant Life Protection Act, the evidence given at the inquest on the baby, the resolutions emanating from Christchurch

i'sh<nvinfc that there was dissatisfaction in other quarters) passed at the general conference, the illustrative case on page 37 of the accompanying section of the new book, the fact that although humanised milk is offered at less than the price of ordinary milk to licensed home-keepers, only two availed themselves of the privilege, and made the offer as contained in the above resolution. We regret that the offer was not accepted, but we are glad to know that some further provision seems to by contemplated with regard to friendless children. A further reduction in the price of humanised milk wa« made during the months of March and April, but only four licensed home-keepers have availed themselves of it. The matron reports that 88 babies have been treated in the-Karitane Hospital during the year. Most of these came from a distance —e.g., Alexandra, Ashburton, Christchurch, Clutha, Goodwood, Gore, Invercargill, Kelso, Lawrence, Mataura Moegiel, Otago Central, Owaka, Palmerston Timaru, etc. The number of admissions (88) has increased mainly on account of the unusually severe epidemic of gastroenteritis through which Dunedin passed during the summer. This disease also accounts for eight out of the ten deaths which occurred, the remaining two dying from acute tuberculosis and acute nephritis respectively. The fact that acute epidemic summer diarrhrea tends to attack those children who have remained for some time previously in failing health, and that it is an extremely fatal disease when once fairly established, especially in weakly infants, renders it incumbent on us to make every effort in the direction of prevention. The society would be grateful if those in charge of infants suffering from indigestion and grave malnutrition would promptly avail themselves, where necessary, of 6uch timely aid as would be gladly rendered by the Plunket nurses in the mother's home, or if where home conditions happen to be such as to preclude proper treatment of a delicate, ailing baby, such infant should be be sent without undue delay to the Karitane Hospital. If this were done the baby could be brought into a state of good tone and nutrition in a few weeks, and thus any pre-existing tendency to diarrhoea would be warded- off, and' the mother would be visited and taught in a simple, practical way, how to keep her baby in good health for the future." On the other hand, in cases where diarrhoea has developed l , but not advanced too far, there would be comparatively little .risk of death if 6u<ch babies as could not be treated properly in their own homes were transferred without waste of precious time to the Karitane Hospital, instead of being allowed to drift on until in extremis before being sent. The society feels very strongly that it is not right to malce the hospital a dumping ground for moribund babies who could easily be restored to health if sent in before they were at the point of death. The unusual number of hopeless oases admitted during the past summer and the long duration of illness before admission renders it necessary to make this protest and appeal to all concerned. The volunteer nurses did wonderfully good work in the spring months, but have fallen off in their visits lately. This is much to be regretted, as both the girls and the babies derived much benefit from these visits. It should not be a difficult matter to give up one half day a month, and the committee hope that the volunteers will again come forward with offers of help in this way. During the year three ladies enrolled themselves as probationers, without the intention of following nursing as a profession, or with a view to earning- a livelihood, but for the sole purpose of making themselves au courant with the needs of babyhood in order that they might give mothers in their need a helping hand. We feel that this example of unselfishness and interest in the general welfare of the community might well be followed by others who have the power and inclination for service of this kind. The amount of maintenance received for the vear amounts to £3OB 9s 9d; the sum of £23 19s for April is not included in the balance sheet; highest weekly sum paid, £1; lowest, 2s; number taken free, 12 .(in these cases 5s per week « b f> en contl, ibuted by the Charitable Aid Board); donations of money, £8; in contribution box, £l2 6s. We feel we cannot omit this opportunitv of congratulating the society and the whole community on the appointment of Miss Ellis as matron of the Karitane Hospital. She has won the esteem and respect of everyone with whom she has come in contact, and has proved herself an ideal administrator in her arduous and responsible position. It is gratifying to notice that the amount of maintenance received is considerably in advance of last year. Only a small amount is outstanding. Your committee felt that the Dominion had suffered a great loss When in November last Dr Truby King announced his intention of resigning his position as hon. consu.ltinr physician to the Kaa-itane Hospital. It was felt that he was the head and front of the whole movement. However, it was gratifying to find that Dr King had sufficient confidence that the movement was so firmly established that it would be possible to carry out the work without his active nelp. Fortunately we still retain the assistance of Mrs King, and are thus able to work along the same lines, and are kent in touch with all advances made in connection with matters bearing on the work ot the society. The staff of Plunket nurses who have been working for some years in the main centres continue steadfast and enthusiastic, and th-we are always new appointmen is being made as fresh centres are established or extra nurses become needed in the older branches. The two Plunket nurses emPloyed m Dunedin have had 320 babies • ? r <J, " care durin §" th ® year, and have paid 2650 visits. In addition to these, visits were made to Mpsgiel, Outram, and Port Chalmers. Mrs Murray, the pioneer Plunket nurse, eont.'nues to help us in any emergency. She has been relieving in Timaru and Wellington, and willingly gives her services whenever they are required, thus • proving that she was in ear-nest in saying when her Excellency Lady Plunket 'presented her with the Plunket medal, "Once a Plunket nurse, always a Plunket nurse." The T. and P. Dairy Company continue to successfully carry on the supply of humanised milk, under the direction of the -society's nurses. These- nurses are readv to make up any milk prescription sent to them by a doctor. The compa-iy supply six babies with free milk throughout the year. The departui-o of her Excellency Lady Plunket, and the consequent loss of her presence, though hot of her active sympathy, will be widely felt. Her Excellency wishes to keep in touch with the progress of the work, and will continue to supply

the Plunket nurses' medals and arm badges. Mrs Nisbet's resignation as president was accepted with mush regret, Mrs Truby King being -elected to fill the position. Mrs Mark Cohen found it necessary to resign, her position as hon. treasurer. Mrs J. H. Hosking kindly consented to fill the vacancy. The balance sheet shows that the society is well in. credit, but members must bear in mind that they have always started the year well —in the first instance, because of large donations received, the next year because of the house-to-house collections, and latterly because the Government subsidies have been paid in just before the closing of the year s accou.its. Towards the end of each year the funds are almost exhausted. The work is an ever-extending one, and your committee hopes that, besides interesting your friends and neighbours in the general hygiene of their children and homes, you will induce them to become members of the society. We have again to thank the Government and our local members for the practical interest they have taken in the society's work, as shown by the fact that the sum of £SOO was voted last session to the Karitane Hospital, and a grant of £BOO was placed on the Supplementary Estimates to be divided among the various centres as a subsidy towards the maintenance of the Plunket muses. Of this sum £SO for each Plunket nurse employed duong the yeS was paid, making £575 The Hasting Societv received £25 as it had been at work for part of the time only. Your society received £IOO as its share. As the salary Jn? expenses (travelling and other) for each Zrse come to about £2OO per annum, if he Government grant £SO per nurse, the community still must provide the balance community subscribers number won 750 We should like to point out Amy Carr, hon secretary.