IDENTIFYING BABIES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1932, Page 2

IDENTIFYING BABIES

PRVENTION OF CONFUSION. METHODS IN AUSTRAILIA, “Elaborate precautions have been taken in Australia to prevent the mixing of babies in public hospitals,” said Mr George Fitzpatrick, the superintendent of the New S'outh Wales Community Hospital, who is How in Wellington, commenting on the report that two German babies had been separated from their parents for 12 years. In his hospital, footprints of the baby and the thumb print of the mother were taken and placed on file parchment scroll, which was the certificate of birth, Mr Fitzpatrick said. Footprints like thumb prints did not alter with age, and the record of the thumbprints of the mother, with the child’s footprints, was regarded as definite. Another method adopted • ju some hospitals, Mr Fitzpatrick continued, was to place around the log or arm of the baby & small bead bracelet, the

beads spelling out the name of the child. Still another method was tho application of a physical brand on tlio back of the baby. Rays of light were applied to its back through a mask. In a few hours flic initials of the brand were observable and remained on the baby’s hack for some weeks. 'Jliis method was painless, and had the effect of artificial sunlight*