INFANT WELFARE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 69, 13 June 1927, Page 12

INFANT WELFARE

PLUNKET SOCIETY S WORK GREAT PROGRESS A TOTAL of 78,891 cases was u*- dealt with by the Auckland branch of the Plunket Society. The mortality rate was only 3.1 per cent. Such are the figures disclosed by the annual report, which is to be presented at the annual meeting to be held next Wednesday. A summary of the district work 'hows that 39,527 mothers and 39,364 infants came under the society’s care during the past year. The nurses had spent a very busy time, visiting 13,966 homes and advising 454 expectant mothers. The remarkable low mortality of 3.1 per cent, is reported. Of the six deaths that took place at the Karitane Hospital, five were in a dying condition When admitted, and the sixth was in too low a condition to respond to treatment. 600 VISITS TO CLINIC RECORDED One of the most important events in the history of the Auckland branch of the society took place during the year, that of moving into the commodious premises in Symonds Street. Tasteful furnishing had. made the rooms bright and cheery for mothers and splendid arrangements had been made for the nurses. Another outstanding feature of the year was the extension of the society’s anti-natal work for expectant mothers in conjunction with the Health Department. A special clinic had been opened up and Sister Wise was temporarily in charge. The report pays attention to the manner in which the nurses had been ever ready to give their skilled attention and advice when it was sought. With the present extension of the clinic it was expected that far more expectant mothers would be able to receive advice. In the period of 10 months, since the clinic was opened, a total of 593 visits had been recorded. The report makes special mention of the work done by Sister Goulstone and her district staff. Each of the visiting nurse had had on the average, 3,952 interviews with mothers on their office days, had paid 1.396 visits to homes and had dealt with over 200 new babies, as well as having given advice to a great many casual visitors. THE FINANCIAL POSITION The committee has a very heavy financial burden to carry this year. In addition to raising the £1,500 over and above the Government subsidy, which would be needed to carry on the district work, money would be needed to reduce the mortgage on the buildings. Donations totalling £B7B had been received and bequests had been acknowledged from the late Sir Henry Brett, £2OO, and from the late Mr. David Goldie of £SOO. Information had also been received to the effect that the society would receive a bequest from the late Hon. J. P. Campbell to the extent of £SOO. The second “Plunket Day” appeal organised by Mrs. W. H. Parkes had proved most successful. From the three performances of “The Old World Dress Parade” a sum of £204 had been raised. Another feature of the year’s working was the number of premature babies admitted to the Karitane Hospital. Many of them were in a very low condition and had required very careful attention to assure their recovery. Only six deaths were reported out of a total of 191 cases admitted. The mother’s cottage had been kept constantly busy: there was seldom a bed empty. The largest number in residence at any one time was four mothers and 20 babies. The average stay in the hospital was two weeks for mothers and four weeks for infants.