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—43—
"Maternity Aid.—I need not enter into the details of the
Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme which has been extended
to the added areas of Hanwell and Greenford, but I must refer
to the subject of the provision of Maternity Aid as it applies to
the Greenford Ward. I do not propose to utilise the services of the
County Council midwife for this area as suggested in the letter
of the Clerk to the County Council, since it is essential that the
maternity and child welfare scheme should be the same for the
whole Borough. The policy adopted by the Committee has been
to offer facilities in the Maternity Hospital for mothers requiring
maternity treatment, and if a mother is unwilling to go into the
Hospital to provide a midwife free of cost for those in poor circumstances.
I have authority to employ any midwife who lives
conveniently near the expectant mother and who can be thoroughly
recommended by me. There are sufficient trained and reliable
midwives in private practice to meet all the needs of the extended
Borough. In view of the calls that might be made from Greenford
I interviewed the midwife who lives nearest to Greenford and I
found that she would be willing to undertake cases on behalf of
the Committee and at the usual rate of remuneration charged by
her for other cases, namely 30s., which compares favourably
with the £2 2s. Od. to £2 6s. Od. suggested by the County Council
for their midwife. There is a likelihood of this midwife, whenever
she gets established in her practice there, of removing to the Greenford
Ward.
"This midwife, who has a telephone in her house, could be
assisted in her work in the Greenford Ward by placing the ambulance
at her disposal when called during the nigbt.
"Suggested Arrangement of the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre
and School Clinic at Cherington Road.
"The Maternity and Child Welfare Department would occupy
the first floor. The old Council Chamber would form the waitingroom
or lecture-hall, and the committee room to the side of it would
become a store-room. On the west of the waiting-room there are
two rooms which would constitute the Health Visitor's or weighingroom
and the Medical Officer's room. The equipment required
includes 30 chairs, 2 demonstration tables, 2 demonstration cases
for the waiting-room, and an examination couch for the Medical