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carried through are in themselves a tribute to the organisation of the
institution and to the goodwill of all concerned. An agreement was
drawn up to the effect that in return for a fixed annual payment the
hospital would undertake district midwifery cases on behalf of the City
Council throughout the City except in the area of the Westminster Health
Society. The cases are those coming within the ambit of the Council's
Maternity and Child Welfare scheme. Briefly, the main points are:
The hospital appoints a district midwife and a deputy midwife, who
reside at the hospital. These midwifes attend at the Council's Centres
and keep in touch with the ante-natal clinics and with the health visitors
generally. Fees for midwifery service are assessed by the Council's
Sub-Committee as heretofore, but the moneys are paid to the hospital.
The services of the hospital's resident and honorary staff are available.
for these cases, as are also its bacteriological and laboratory services.
The ancillary services mentioned are also provided by the hospital.
The scheme, which will operate as from 1st January, 1931, offers a
complete midwifery service for any woman who cares to avail herself
of the Council's Maternity and Child Welfare scheme by applying either
at the centres or at the hospital. It is, perhaps, unique, at any rate in
London, as an instance of a complete midwifery unit organised by a
voluntary hospital in co-operation with and on behalf of a municipal
body, and, moreover, the scheme was complete and ready for service
before the Minister issued his circular calling upon local authorities to
improve the organisation of their maternity services.
Barlow's Gift.—A sum of money was bequeathed by Jonathan Barlow
in 1881 to the vestry of St. George and adjoining vestries for the maintenance
of public conveniences. The City Council, since its formation,
has administered the fund, the income of which amounts to £33
per annum. According to a proviso in the will, the Council may apply
the money to any other benevolent or useful purpose in the said parishes.
It was decided, therefore, in December, ] 929, to dedicate half the income
for a period ending 31st March, 1931, to purposes of Maternity and
Child Welfare for which expenditure out of the rates could not properly
be applied.
There are many needs directly affecting health among those who
attend the Welfare Centres, and the assistance from this fund has proved
a very great boon. Articles such as the following have been bought and
lent, or contributions made towards their purchase : rubber bandages,
hernia belts, spectacles, material for children's overalls, etc. The total
sum of £16 9s. 11d. has been expended.