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MIDWIFERY SERVICE
(Section 23)
The establishment of midwives was increased from twelve to
fourteen towards the end of 1962. The actual number varied between
nine and eleven during the year.
Two pupil midwives were accommodated throughout the year for
periods of three months each, whilst undertaking the district part of
their training.
The amount of work continued to outstrip the number of midwives
available and it is a matter for regret that it was not found
possible to implement a day and night shift system.
Deliveries
The most significant increase was in the number of confinements
conducted by the midwives. 939 women were delivered in
1962, a rise of 300 cases in the past three years. These women
received a total of 16,206 visits. It is not possible to estimate the
amount of time spent with a woman in labour. This can vary from
a few hours to 48 hours or more. The same can be said of visits
during the early days following confinement. Although it is usual to
allow 40 minutes for these visits, this must often be exceeded as
feeding and other problems arise. In this connection the very young
mother is an increasing factor to be considered. These immature
young women require a great deal of support and encouragement before,
during and after their confinements.
Early Discharge from Hospital
175 women were discharged from hospital at the third day or
earlier following their confinements. The majority of these were
patients sent into hospital by the midwives because of some deviation
from the normal.
There is at present no scheme for planned early discharges.
It is anticipated that arrangements for this will have to be made in
1963.
Shortage of Hospital Beds
The shortage of hospital beds remains acute and this, together
with the high number of women admitted to hospital via the Emergency
Bed Service, is an unsatisfactory aspect of the midwifery service.
Many of these patients are ultimately delivered at home without adequate
preparation or facilities.
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