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73
There is probably a dearth of beds in the Hospitals allocated to
and reserved for ante-natal patients. I understand at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital further beds will shortly be available.
The Borough Council Health Visitors now, as a routine,
visit these expectant mothers who have booked for their confinement
under the Scheme, and are in daily touch with expectant
mothers in the course of their routine Health Visiting, and have
been instructed to inform the mothers of the benefits of placing
themselves under ante-natal supervision at an early stage of
pregnancy. They visit, ante-natally, certain mothers who have
booked for their confinements either at voluntary Hospitals or
London County Council Hospitals.
The accommodation for the treatment of patients suffering
from puerperal sepsis appears to be adequate. The report states
that the development of post-natal services, including the establishment
of clinics and arrangement for in-patient treatment is
a matter of urgent necessity. Post-natal Clinics are held under
the Scheme, but it must be mentioned that in spite of propaganda
and advice, the attendance of the mothers has been on the whole
disappointing. I would suggest that when the new Health Centre
is established, including as it does a Women's Clinic for women
over 40, consideration be given to the possibility of holding in
addition a gynaecological clinic at which post-natal patients could
be seen.
Education.—Continuous efforts are being made to acquaint
the mothers with the facilities available to them under the
Borough Council's comprehensive scheme, not only by personal
talks at the Centres, but by the Health Visitors in the homes
and by posters and leaflets. Extra nourishment is freely available
to the mothers of the Borough who are either expectant or nursing.
In view of the Midwives Act, which transfers the responsibility
of a salaried midwives' service to the London County Council,
and the vagueness of their present proposals, I would suggest
that the detailed consideration of this Report be deferred until
the Scheme under the Act is in operation.
At the time of writing, arrangements are in hand for the
provision of an Emergency Unit under the new Scheme passed
by the Council as a result of the Act.