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tensions at the Hospital to include a new Maternity Block containing
12 beds.
In addition to the above there are 3 private maternity homes at
present in the Urban District.
MIDWIFERY SERVICE.
The Council, acting as agents for the Surrey County Council appointed
two midwives in December, 1937, to serve the Sanderstead/Selsdon,
and Purley/Kenley areas. In addition, the Coulsdon District Nursing
Association has appointed one of its nurses solely as a midwife.
The Council's midwives commenced duty in areas the majority of
which were not previously served by midwives, and during the year
attended 56 cases. The Coulsdon nurse attended 105 cases in the same
period, her practice being an, established one.
In addition, 7 midwives practice privately in the Urban District.
At the beginning of the year it was decided that the Surrey County
Council's scale should be applied in deciding the charge to be made
to necessitous cases attended by the Council's midwives.
Unfortunately the supervisory powers under the Midwives Acts
have not been delegated to this Council, thus presenting an apparent
anomaly which is increased now that two-thirds of the approved midwives
are directly employed by this Council.
Home Helps.
The Council has made arrangements for the supply of Home Helps
in necessitous cases, and during the year 31 cases were assisted in this
way.
Birth Control.
Cases in which advice on birth control is considered desirable on
medical grounds by the doctors at the Clinics are referred to the Croydon
Mothers' and Infants' Welfare Association Clinic in Croydon.
An annual grant is made by the Council in return for which any
necessitous residents so referred are provided with advice, etc., at reduced
charges.
Health Visitation.
The Council has employed the services of three full-time Health
Visitors since May, 1935, who work under the supervision of the Medical
Officer of Health.
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