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arranged early last year. The name and address of the mother, with
her consent, is sent to the Medical Officer of Health. On receipt of
this information a home visit is paid by the health visitor for the
district in connection with environmental and sanitary conditions.
Any special requirements, such as the provision of extra nourishment
or home helps are provided by the Council on a recommendation
from the Medical Officer of the hospital, ante-natal clinic or the
almoner. If the mother expresses a desire to attend one of the
Finsbury ante-natal clinics, and the Medical Officer of the hospital
agrees, a special form is sent to the Medical Officer of Health.
Arrangements are then made for the mother to attend either Leage
Street or Pine Street and to be seen regularly there until the 32nd
or 36th week, when the mother is sent back to the hospital clinic.
In this way the mother is saved unnecessary travelling to the
hospital ante-natal clinics.
In the event of any abnormality the mother is referred at once
to the hospital.
Routine Wasserman Tests.—At the request of the Finsbury
representatives a routine blood test is now undertaken of all Finsbury
mothers attending the ante-natal clinics of the Hospitals under the
Scheme.
The necessary treatment required is given either at the special
clinic attached to the hospitals or at neighbouring clinics.
Disinfection by Local Sanitary Authority.
A midwife who has been in contact with a person suffering from
puerperal fever or any other condition which may raise suspicion of
infection must notify the Local Supervising Authority and unless
directed otherwise must have all washable clothing boiled and send
all other clothing to be disinfected by the Local Sanitary Authority.
Last year, on request, the clothing of certain midwives was
disinfected on 5 occasions.
Home Helps.
The Council maintains a panel of home helps to attend the
homes of necessitous nursing mothers in the Borough. At the end
of the year there were twelve persons on the panel.
Two persons were appointed on the panel during the year.
The names of two persons were removed from the panel following
removal from Finsbury or other cause.
The number of applications received last year for the services
of a home help was 182; sixteen were cancelled for various reasons.