View report page

(3) a hospital, where a bed may be reserved in certain circumstances.
Expectant mothers making arrangements (2) or (3) usually
attend the Council's Maternity Clinics but private doctors can also
refer their cases for special purposes, e.g. blood tests for rhesus
factor, etc. Normally every case has an X-ray examination of the
chest, and a full examination including regular weighing and
examination of the urine, blood, blood pressure, etc.
Arrangements have been made in some instances for the
District Midwives to assist general practitioners at ante-natal
sessions in their surgeries.
The results of the arrangement of alternative services under the
Health Service Act are now being reviewed with the aim of ensuring
that every ante- and post-natal mother gets the full advantage
of modern knowledge, and that no gaps exist or inferior standards
of practice are permitted, but that the closest co-operation between
all branches of the Health Service is secured.
During 1956, 279 residents had their babies in their own
homes, some 273 at 7 hospitals in the County, including 255 at
Redhill County, some 285 at 27 hospitals outside the County including
157 at Purley Hospital and 64 at Mayday, while about 69
were confined in private nursing homes.
Only 31% arranging for home confinements is a low proportion
but one for which there are a number of reasons.
Official Maternity Clinics are now held at
62, Whytecliffe Road, 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday in each month,
Purley. 10 a.m.—12 noon.
and every Thursday, 2 p.m.—4 p.m.
Westway, Caterham- Every Tuesday, 2—4 p.m. (For Old Coulsdon
on-the-Hill. mothers).
The Baptist Church, 2nd and 4th Wednesday
Addington Road, in each month, 10 a.m.
Selsdon. —12 noon.
Mothercraft and Relaxation Classes.
Classes covering these subjects were commenced in Purley at
the end of 1953 and the numbers attending have increased very
rapidly, hence it is hoped to extend the facilities in the near future.
It is now necessary for expectant mothers wishing to join these
classes to make application to the Divisional Health Visitor at
115 Brighton Road, Purley, who will inform them as soon as a
vacancy occurs.
Midwifery and Home Nursing Service.
Almost all the midwifery attendance at home confinements
and the general nursing in the District are provided by the midwives
and district nurses appointed by the County Council. The equivalent
of about 20 whole-time nurses is employed in this Division but
33