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The majority of these patients were mothers requiring
convalescence and rest, while a large number were cases recuperating
after child-birth.
With the exception of Christmas week, there were patients
resident at the Home during the whole year. This indicates, I
think, the extent to which it is appreciated. Only three cases
were admitted free, the payments of the remainder varying from
2/6 upwards.
MIDWIFERY SERVICE.
The total number of patients booked under this scheme during
1931 was 685, an increase of 43 over the preceding year. In 327
of these cases the Council paid the midwife's fee, and a proportion
of the fee in 165 others.
Full details on this subject have been set out in previous
reports, and in conjunction with the various ante-natal centres
the scheme is working smoothly and satisfactorily.
During the year the Bermondsey Medical Mission Hospital
have entered into an arrangement whereby their maternity cases
are attended at their own homes by midwives from that Hospital.
The number of cases booked under the agreement with
Guy's Hospital authorities is 104. This number is regrettably
small and I trust that it will increase as the object of the scheme
becomes more widely known in the borough.
There are fifteen midwives practising in the borough and
during the year I have been in frequent contact with them, and
wish to thank them for their willing co-operation.
OBSTETRIC CONSULTANTS.
As an extension of the midwifery scheme the Council has
authorised the payment of an obstetric consultant's fee in cases
approved by the Medical Officer of Health. The names of the
gentlemen who have agreed to act in this capacity will be found on
page 87. The number of consultations during the year has
been 10.