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96
Subsequent to postnatal examination all mothers were invited
to attend for a cervical cytology test. In future, it is intended that
such facilities shall be made available at the postnatal clinics in
order to avoid the necessity for two separate visits.
Early Discharges—Again planned early discharges took place
from various hospitals. In the case of mothers who could spend or
needed to spend only 48 hours in hospital but who, for medical
reasons required hospital confinements, domiciliary visits were made
before delivery so that the suitability of home conditions for the
nursing of a post-partum mother could be assessed. A few unplanned
early discharges took place when mothers decided to leave hospital
soon after delivery (often because they could not relax away from
their other young children) or when an emergency arose and the
hospital bed was required for another mother. In such cases, it is
always desirable that a report on home conditions should be sought
from the Department before the mother leaves hospital. Some 323
mothers were attended by midwives on discharge before the 10th
day.
Emergency Obstetric Units—These units are based at the
British Hospital for Mothers and Babies, St. Alfege's, Lewisham
and Dartford Hospitals, and are manned by hospital staff. They
are available to any medical practitioner or midwife who is in need
of additional assistance at a domiciliary confinement, either before
a delivery at home or before unplanned removal to hospital. These
units were called upon 25 times during 1966.
Premature Baby Units—Premature babies who require special
nursing are transferred to units at the British Hospital for Mothers
and Babies or to the Lewisham Hospital. When hospital nursing is