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Mothers Discussion Groups
Discussion groups were in operation at the end of the year at the Vale Drive,
Torrington Park, Brunswick Park (Osidge), Mill Hill and Childs Hill Clinics.
Midwifery
The trend towards hospital confinements has increased with a marked decrease in
domiciliary confinements. The number of home deliveries conducted by the domiciliary
midwives was 316 and medical aid was summoned in 22 cases. Apart from these deliveries
there were 520 early discharges from hospital on a planned scheme and assessments were
made in all cases prior to confinement and early discharge, by midwives employed
especially for this work.
Pupil midwives from Edgware General and Bushey Maternity Hospitals received their
Part II district training under the Department's approved midwifery teachers. Six pupils
resided with midwives and the remainder were accommodated at the Nurses Home,
Gervase Road, Edgware, in the charge of a Senior Midwife. This Home was modernized
during the year — hand basins were put in four of the six bedrooms, a large kitchen was
provided and central heating installed. Difficulty had been experienced in obtaining
private accommodation for pupils in training.
Arrangements were made for 4 midwives to attend statutory refresher courses.
All "Trilene" machines were replaced by "Entonox" machines in accordance with
Department of Health and Social Security policy.
Home Nursing
During the year four Senior Home Nurses were appointed and home nurses were
divided into four groups. The employment of nursing auxiliaries to blanket bath patients
showed, over a nine month period, a considerable saving in skilled home nursing time,
and eight nursing auxiliaries were appointed to fill home nurse vacancies.
The Senior Home Nurse introduces new staff, supports other staff, is responsible
for the supervision and work load of the nursing auxiliaries and is given other minor
administrative duties to gain experience and provide a career structure for this service.
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