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23
BECKENHAM AND PENGE JOINT MATERNITY
HOSPITAL
This Hospital is provided by the Borough of Beckenham and the
Urban District of Penge, and is administered by a Joint Committee
of members of the two authorities.
Admissions.
The number of admissions in 1947 was 982, by far the greatest
number accommodated in any single year. It was only possible to
deal with so large a number of patients by limiting the stay in hospital
for the great majority, to a period of ten days. This shortening of
the lying-in period places a considerable strain on the nursing staff,
since every patient requires full nursing attention during the whole
period of her stay in hospital.
Ante-Natal Supervision.
Ante-natal Clinics for routine examination of the expectant
mothers are held on three mornings every week. These clinics are
conducted by the Resident Medical Officer and the Matron. During
the year 915 cases attended for examination and these cases made
6,106 attendances.
An additional clinic is held each week by the Resident Medical
Officer for the collection of blood samples, so that the Hospital Staff
may know in advance all the essential facts for each individual
patient in case blood transfusion is subsequently needed at any time
during labour or in the puerperium.
Gas-Air Analgesia.
All members of the Nursing Staff are trained in the administration
of gas-air analgesia, and courses of lectures, combined with practical
experience in the operation of the various types of apparatus suitable
for use by midwives, have been given by a specialist anaesthetist.
Training of Pupil Midwives.
Since 1944 the Hospital has been recognised by the Central
Midwives' Board as a training school for pupil midwives for Part I
of the Training Regulations of the Board.
During the year 26 pupils were in training and 22 passed the
examination for Part I.
Consulting Staff.
Mr. Douglas Lindsay, M.D., F.R.C.O.G., in his capacity of
Obstetric Consultant, attends at the request of the Resident Medical
Officer and of General Practitioners to give advice and treatment in
all cases presenting special difficulties. He is also always ready to
discuss any case with the Resident Medical Officer on the occasions
of his weekly visits to Hospital to conduct the Ante- and Post-natal
Clinics on behalf of the Beckenham Health & Welfare Committee,
and this assistance has been very much appreciated.