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Mortality, upon which subject a report has recently been presented
to Parliament. The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
has taken a keen interest in this subject, and most of the
members are familiar with the problem, and I think also with the
means which have been suggested at various times for the improvement
in our own Service. The Circular draws attention to
the more important recommendations contained in the Parliamentary
Report.
"1. The Importance of Team Work.
"Under this heading it is stated that the Local Authority,
i.e., the Borough Council, is the best agency to secure combined
effort and harmonious inter-working between the Health Visitors,
midwives, general practitioners, Medical Officers of Clinics and
hospital staffs. This is undoubtedly correct, and it makes the
attitude of the Minister with regard to the new Midwives Act
somewhat puzzling. In this connection I should point out that
all the midwives practising in the borough are in close touch with
the Health Visitors and lady doctors, and it is the usual practice
for midwives to attend the Ante-Natal Clinics with their patients.
In addition, most of the midwives are in constant touch with the
office staff, and are kept well informed with regard to the Borough
Council Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, and are, from time
to time, acquainted with any changes which are made in that
scheme by the Council. So far as general practitioners are concerned
I would like to inform the Committee that I have already
arranged a meeting at the Public Health Centre, Grange Road,
to which I have invited all the medical men practising in the
borough, for the purpose of explaining to them the aims of the
Borough Council, and of eliciting their help.
"2. Consultant Services.
" The Circular stresses the need of providing the services of
Obstetric Consultants. The Borough Council has provided
these services for several years, and each practitioner is reminded
of these and other services from time to time in the booklet which
is issued by the department to doctors, a copy of which is available
for members of the Committee to see.