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10
One of the present cases, the subject of prosecution, was
brought to light owing to the mother, who was attended by Mrs.
Tasselli, sickening with puerperal fever and ultimately dying of
that disease. Under the Midwives Act, 1902, it is still competent
for unregistered midwives to attend women in their confinements.
After the first of April, 1910, this unqualified practice will be
practically put an end to by Section 1, Sub-section 2 of the Midwives
Act, 1902, which stipulates that:—
"From and after the first day of April, 1910, no woman shall,
habitually and for gain attend women in childbirth, otherwise than
under the direction of a qualified medical practitioner, unless she be
certified under this Act; any woman so acting without being
certified under this Act shall be liable, on summary conviction,
to a fine not exceeding ten pounds; provided this section shall
not apply to legally qualified medical practitioners, or to any one
rendering assistance in the case of emergency."
HEALTH VISITATION—INFANT BIRTHS.
In May, 1909, the Finsbury Borough Council authorised the
engagement of Miss Goodlass and Miss Tubbs to act as lady
Health Visitors in conjunction with Mrs. Greenwood, lady Sanitary
Inspector.
Their work in the first instance was directed to:—
1. The systematic visitation of infant births in the poorer
parts, and the instruction of the mothers in the care and
upbringing of the children.
2. The supervision of the childrens' health and progress.
3. The improvement of the home conditions and especially
of those which might react adversely on children or
parents, whether these were due to faults of environment,
to social conditions, or to dire poverty.