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129
Under Section 2 (1) of the Midwives and Maternity Homes
Act, 1926, a midwife is enabled to claim compensation for loss of
practice on account of suspension from work to prevent the possible
spread of infection. No applications were received.
The Committee also assist necessitous patients in the payment
of the midwife's fee. 26 applications were made for assistance by
midwives on behalf of the patients, and a total sum of £39 2s. 6d.
was allowed.
Accommodation for Confinement.

There is a distinct trend towards confinement taking place in
an Institution or Maternity Home.
The Retreat. Ross Road.
This is a home for unmarried mothers and their babies conducted
by the National Free Church Women's Council, and aided
by an annual grant of £650 from the Croydon Council. Besides
the Matron and Nursing Staff, an honorary lady medical officer
attends the Home when necessary.
The following figures give the main details regarding the work
carried out in 1935, and I am indebted to Dr. Sutherland, the
Hon. Medical Officer of the Home, for them:—
No. of beds for patients 20
No. of cases admitted 34
Average duration of stay 5/6 months
No. of cases delivered by (a) Midwives 30
(b) Doctor 2
No. of cases in which medical assistance was sought by
o midwife 10
No of cases notified as (a) Puerperal Fever, (b) Puerperal
Pyrexia Nil
No. of cases notified of Ophthalmia Neonatorum 1
No. of cases notified as Pemphigus Neonatorum None
No. of maternal deaths Nil
No. of infant deaths (a) Still-born Nil
(b) within 10 days of birth Nil