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for the year. With many examples fresh in their minds, it is obvious to those concerned
with the care of the expectant mother that the above figures do not give any real indication
of the need for this type of service. The cost of the provision of domestic help not only
leads many applicants to refuse the service when they become aware of the charges, but also
deters many mothers from making application even when encouraged to do so for the proteotion
of their health by those responsible for their medical care.
The majority of the applicants for "Maternity Home Help" are assessed to pay the full
charge, which was increased to £6. 5s. 6d. in August, 1951» for 62 hours service during the
two weeks of the confinement. One reason is that the Council's assessment scale includes
the Maternity Attendance Allowance of £1 per week, payable under the National Insurance Act,
in the income which is reckoned to be available for payment towards the cost of the service.
As a result, many families "make do" with whatever help they can get from relatives or obtain
privately for a modest portion of the Attendance Allowance, preferring to retain the balance
for the many other unavoidable expenses connected with the birth of the baby. Incidentally,
it may be noted that this charge is higher than the family would have to pay if two children
were admitted to a residential or day nursery. Under present circumstances, therefore,
economic advantages encourage the family to seek admission to hospital for the mother and to
a day or residential nursery for the children when, as so often is the case, there is no
relative available to give sufficient care to the family. This disruption of family life
is not thought to be in the best interests of the very young child, coming as it does at a
time when the arrival of the new baby is already a disturbing element in his environment.
Sufficient rest of body and mind during the latter weeks of pregnancy are of vital
importance to the health of mother and baby, is essential in the treatment of the complication
known as toxaemia of pregnancy, and if available to all mothers might well have a
marked effect in reducing the prematurity and stillbirth rates. Sufficient rest during
the first few weeks after delivery, with a gradual rather than a sudden resumption of
household duties and responsibilities is of the utmost value both in the restoration of
the mother to full health and vigour and In the establishment of breast feeding.
All who are concerned about the welfare of mothers and young children must hope that
some way will be found to encourage the greater use of the Home Help Service in connection
with maternity.
SECTION 51 ~ MENTAL HEALTH.
The Mental Health Service has been administered by the Health Committee of the local
authority.
STAFF.
(a) Medical. The medical supervision direction and administration is the responsibility
of the Medical Officer of Health, through his Deputy.
Ascertainment and medical examination of mental defectives continues to be carried
out by the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, and by the Chief Assistant School Medical
Officer, both of whom have had considerable experience in this work. In addition three
local general practitioners, who are approved by the Minister of Health, for the purpose
of making recommendations under Section 5 the Mental Treatment Act, 1930, are available
when required, to deal with cases under the Lunacy and Mental Treatment Acts.
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