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FOREWARD.
Nineteen Forty-Six was a very busy year, with all the Services working
to full capacity and I think we can look back with satisfaction on our
achievements.
The birth rate showed a very steady increase and provided a hectic period
for the staff of the Midwifery Services. In spite of difficulties with regard
to securing staff, the mothers of the district were given every consideration
and I am happy to relate that no untoward incident occurred to mar our good
record. This reflects very great credit upon the medical staff at the Ante-Natal
Clinic, the Non-Medical Supervisor of Midwives and her staff. It became
necessary to accept the policy of employing part-time nurses to relieve the
situation and three have been employed during the year.
The Ante-Natal Clinics were very overcrowded and an average attendance
of 48.82 was far too high. It is hoped to open another session in the near
future.
It is encouraging to note that 181 mothers actually had gas and air
analgesia, administered as against 86 the previous year, and this proved that
the women are gradually becoming aware of the advantages of the service.
A legacy of £45 was received from the estate of the late Mr. V. Heraud, and
this was used to purchase two gas and air apparatus for use on the district,
and was very much appreciated.
The Home Help Scheme still remains a problem owing to the fact that
the recruitment of a sufficient number of suitable women is a difficulty, although
the situation shows some signs of improvement.
The attendances at the Post Natal Clinic have been very high ; here again
there is need for another session.
The attendances at the Infant Welfare Clinics show a steady increase
being 28,808 in 1945, and 40,944 in 1946.
The work of the Health Visitors was rendered very difficult on account
of the number of mothers absent from home on employment or for other
reasons. Added to this the depletion of staff made the health visiting in this
district a problem. Notwithstanding the difficulties, the standard of work and
the results achieved were very creditable and reflected favourably on the efforts
made by the combined work of the medical staff and health visitors.
The Orthopaedic Clinic had to close for a short period until a Physiotherapist
could be appointed. The post was filled in March, 1946, and the
Clinic is making a very valuable contribution towards the welfare of the children
in the district.
The Council took over the full control of the four Day Nurseries on
the 1st April, 1946, having operated them on behalf of the Government prior
to that date. They have continued to be well patronised and in fact they have
been more in demand than during the war—this is indicated by the increase
in the attendances; in 1945 they were 49,002, and in 1946, 56,882. Many
mothers with young children were evacuated during the war and were therefore
not available for work locally, but now the women have returned they want
their children admitted to Day Nurseries in order that they may work. In
consequence there is not sufficient accommodation available.
By the end of the year, the National Health Service Act, 1946, began
to take shape, and a general feeling of restlessness and apprehension was
created as to the manner in which the new legislation would affect the existing
Maternity and Child Welfare Services.
I wish once again to place on record my appreciation of the work carried
out by every member of the Staff of the Maternity and Child Welfare Department
and to state how much I value their co-operation.
In conclusion I should also like to express my thanks to the Chairman and
all the Members of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee for their
assistance
D. REGAN, Medical Officer of Health.
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