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Where necessary dental treatment for ante-natal mothers
was arranged and sterilsed dressings. provided, as in preceding
years, while appliances were supplied to those post-natal mothers
who needed them. A11 the above an provided, if necessary, at
reduced cost.
EMERGENCY UNIT.
The Emergency Obstetrical Unit based on Mayday Hospital
was called upononce during the year-, this being the first
occasion on which its service have been required in this
District since its ince???tion in 1938. On this occasion it
proved of great value,
OBST???IC SPECIALITS.
0ne of the obstetric Specialists appointed by the Ccuncil
was called in for consuliation on two occasions during the year.
The Council doesnot attempt to recover the fee from the patient
in such circusmtances.
MATERNITY CASES.
During 1943 the umber of maternity cases admitted to
Purley Hospital under the Council's scheme was 73,compared
with 6.9 and 53 in '1942 and 1941,and a average of 62 for the
preceding 4 years.
In addition 150 cases were admitted to the Surrey
County Council Hospital, Redhill. This is a reduction of 53
on 1942. and 20 on 1941 though 52 more than in. 1939 and 1940,
and 86 more than in 1938.
Owing to the increasing tendency for maternity Cases to
seek admission to hospital for their confinenments", which
tendency has been experienced throughout the whole Country the
process of selection,based on medical and social need, which had
to he introduced in view of the relative inadceuacy of hospita1
accommoidation and nursing- staff. has had to be. even more
stringently applied.
A uniform charge of 5/- per case is made, -for the
conveyance of maternity cases by ambulance to any hospital
approved by the Medical Officer of Health•
MID???ERY SERVICE.
The Council's Midwive attended 105 cases in 1943,
compared with 90, 76, 96,7 and 87 in the preceding, 5 years.
Of the 103 cases, . 57 wore Undertaken Purley Midwife
(41 being midwifery, and ??? maternity cases) and 46 by the
Selsdon Midwife (24 ???y and 22 maternity).
HOME HELPS.
The Council has employed 2 whole time Home Helps since
1942 and in admition a number of temporary Home Helps. During
1943, 56 cases received. this form of a; istance compared with
25 in 1942 and a previous maximum of 35 in 1937. The Council's
scheme aims at rendering help during times of domestic
embarrassment arising through childbirth.
Towards the end of the year, when Influenza was
prevalent an endeavour was made to provide assistance to
families who were as a result experiencing domestic difficulties
Help was rendered in a number of instances by introducing parttime
home helps, members of the voluntary organisations (British
Rod Cross Society, St.John .Ambulance Brigade and the Women's
Voluntary Service; or even neighbours to such cases, the
Department co-operating closely with the Citizens Advice Bureau
in the process. From experience gained during this period. there
would appear to be a need for a permanent organisation to deal
with such cases, although the position is accentuated in war time