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37
The provision of beds for normal cases has undoubtedly
enhanced the value of the work of the pre-natal clinic.
Maternity Home.
The most important extension of the Maternity scheme of
the Council has been the provision of beds for uncomplicated cases
of pregnancy. The Council has for some time felt the need for
such beds. The Council has had an agreement with the authorities
of the Acton Hospital for the admission and treatment of complicated
cases and during the year 51 cases were admitted.
The scheme for the treatment of complicated cases, though,
did not include the admission of normal cases, in which the home
conditions were for some reason or other unfavourable or unsatisfactory.
We have in the district many families who live in two
or at most three rooms; this refers more particularly to newly married
couples, and it can be imagined that a confinement is an extremely
inconvenient event in such surroundings. In many instances,
one of the conditions under which rooms are let is that no confinment
shall take place on the premises. There is no question of
destitution or even poverty. The husband is in constant employment,
and frequently the wife has also been working, and they are
entitled to two maternity benefits. It is doubtful if they are eligible
for admission to the local infirmary, but even if eligible the wife
would not care to accept the facilities of the Public Assistance
Committee. It is true that these hospitals are not now under the
control of the Board of Guardians, and the old taint of the poor
law is not now attached to them, yet there are many objections to
them. They are intended for the destitute, but more important
is the fact that it is not feasible or possible to contract in advance for
the admission of expectant mothers. The class of mothers I am
referring to, would not care to avail themselves of the facilities
provided at the West Middlesex Hospital even if they were eligible
for admission. On the other hand they could not afford the fees
charged in nursing homes.
The Council was aware of the hardships endured by this
class of expectant mother, and had for some time felt the need for
such beds.
Some years ago, a sub-committee was appointed to consider
the matter, and several maternity homes were visited by the subcommittee.
The project of a new maternity home did not mature.
Apart from the expense, the disadvantages of a small maternity
hospital were so obvious that the Council abandoned the idea. The
alternative project was to contract for beds with the authorities
of a large maternity hospital.