London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Wimbledon 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]
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Midwives Act, 1936.
Until 5th July, 1948, a service of whole-time domiciliary midwives
was provided by the Wimbledon District Nursing and Midwifery
Association by agreement with the Wimbledon Borough
Council in accordance with Section 1(1) of the Midwives Act, 1936.
At the time of transfer to Surrey County Council there were 3 fulltime
midwives and 2 pupil midwives so employed.
During the period under review in this report, they dealt with
93 cases as midwives and 15 as maternity nurses. In addition, they
attended 6 cases of miscarriage. Their future bookings at 5th July,
1948, amounted to 85.
The total amount paid by relatives during the period was
£179 10s. 3d.
Hospital treatment for Complicated Obstetric Cases.
The agreement between the Wimbledon Borough Council and
the Nelson Hospital for the treatment of complicated obstetric cases
continued to operate until the transfer of powers to the Regional
Hospital Board on 5th July, 1948.
During the period 1st January, 1948 to 4th July, 1948, the following patients were admitted to the Nelson Hospital under this agreement: —
| Abortion | 5 |
| Ante or post-partum haemorrhage | 2 |
| Toxaemia of pregnancy | 1 |
| 8 |
The cost of maintenance of these patients amounted to £79 11s. 8d.
of which £10 3s. 11d. was recovered from the relatives.
Services of Consulting Obstetricians.
During the period 1/1/48 to 4/7/48, the two Consulting
Obstetricians, Mr. Leslie Williams and Mr. J. Vincent O'Sullivan,
were called in consultation on four occasions in connection with
complications of pregnancy or childbirth.
Care of Premature Infants — Ministry of Health Circular 20/44.
The special equipment recommended by the Ministry of Health
in connection with the care of premature infants is available on
application to the Wimbledon District Nursing and Midwifery Association,
28 Kings Road, Wimbledon.
During the period 1/1/48 to 4/7/48, Dr. G. H. Newns, the
Consulting Paediatrician appointed by the Wimbledon Borough
Council, was twice called in consultation by medical practitioners.
The number of premature births notified during this period
in respect of Wimbledon residents was twenty-seven. Of these, five
births occured at home, twenty in hospitals, one in a nursing home
and one at a private address outside the Borough. Three of the
five premature infants born at home were removed to hospital for
treatment.
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