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It will be seen that out of 2,086 births in 1928, 1,805 took
place either in hospital or in connection with Guy's Charity. This
leaves 281 births in the Borough which were attended by a medical
man or by a midwife. I think it will be agreed that treatment is
adequate:—
(1) When a confinement takes place in hospital.
(2) When a doctor attends at home accompanied by a
properly qualified maternity nurse.
(3) When the labour is conducted by a midwife, who is
bound, should necessity arise, to call in a medical
man.
There is little doubt also that members of the Committee
would subscribe to the following observations: —
(1) That the prospective mother should be freed as far as
possible from worry, either financial or in connection
with the conduct of the home while she is incapacitated.
(2) That there should be careful ante-natal supervision.
(3) That only qualified persons (i.e. a doctor or a nurse
holding a C.M.B.), should be allowed to attend the
mother and baby.
The handy woman serves a useful purpose when she confines
her activities to cooking, cleaning and generally assisting in the
house. When an unqualified woman exceeds these duties and
helps in the actual conduct of the labour, there is always an increased
risk both to mother and baby.
At present financial considerations play a considerable part
in the decision of the mother as to where and by whom the labour
shall be conducted.
The maternity benefit is £2, but it may on occasion, i.e., when
both parents are insured be £4.
Guy's Hospital makes no charge either for hospital treatment
or for attendance on the district. The maximum charge made by
the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Hospital is one guinea per
week. Patients treated by other hospitals are assessed according