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4
represents the work of 12.4 midwives. There is no evidence at the
time of writing this report that there is likely to be a reduction in the
number of births. The Council has agreed to the appointment of an
additional midwife for holiday relief duty and every endeavour is
being made to fill this post.
INSTITUTIONAL
MIDWIFERY.
Owing to lack of hospital accommodation the
majority of confinements take place in the
patients' homes. In cases, however, where
medical reasons and housing conditions so indicate, patients are
admitted either to Oldchurch County Hospital or the East End
Maternity Hospital. The latter, however, owing to shortage of nursing
staff has been compelled to restrict the numbers they will admit from
Dagenham. Oldchurch County Hospital is in a similar position, but
I am pleased to take this opportunity of expressing appreciation for the
most ready assistance and co-operation which have at all times been
received from the Medical Superintendent and his staff, who always
use their best endeavours to overcome their difficulties, which they
invariably succeed in doing to the benefit of the Dagenham mothers.
GAS AND AIR
ANALGESIA.
The provision of gas and air analgesia for
domiciliary confinements continues to be
popular. On 305 occasions during the year this
appliance was used, compared with 237 in the previous year. There
is still a certain amount of prejudice against this form of analgesia,
particularly on the part of the older mothers. This prejudice appears
to be diminishing and the palliative effect is highly appreciated by those
who elect to take advantage of it. Unless there are medical reasons for
its contra-indication, all prospective mothers are offered, and encouraged
to have, this form of treatment.
HOME HELP
SERVICE.
A full-time Home Help Organiser has been
appointed and took up her duties early in the
present year. Amongst her duties are the
selection of home and domestic helps, the allocation of these helps and
the supervision of their work. A further duty is to publicise the
service and to address representative meetings of women in order that
knowledge of the advantages of the service may be disseminated.
At the present time there are 24 helps available for service, four of
whom are receiving a retaining fee in return for which they hold
themselves ready to undertake duty in any part of the Borough. Up
to date, it has been possible to supply a home or domestic help on every
occasion where one has been needed.
DAY
NURSERIES.
The three Day Nurseries, viz., Chadwell Heath,
Kingsley Hall and Goresbrook, have continued
in operation. Demands for places therein have
increased to such an extent that the Committee recommended that in
order to avoid disappointment it should be made known that priority