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22
The arrangements for the provision of convalescent treatment
for nursing mothers and for children under five years of age,
commenced in 1936, were continued, and nine mothers with young
babies and ten children under five years of age, were sent for varying
periods of convalescence. Considerable difficulty was experienced
in securing accommodation at suitable homes, especially during
the summer months, and the Council has now definitely reserved
one bed at the Convalescent Home for Mothers and Babies, May field,
and two beds for young children between 1 and 5 years of age at
the Hurstleigh Convalescent Home, Tunbridge Wells.
When deciding the scale of charges in connection with the
midwifery service opportunity was taken to reconsider the whole
question of charges for treatment with a view to adopting one
scale in place of the many which were in use. The Council has
now adopted a scale of charges which applies to all forms of treatment
and services with the exception of the provision of milk in
necessitous cases and the assessment of fees for treatment in the
Maternity Hospital. The new scale is as follows :
When average income per
member of family after
deductions for rent, insurance
and fares is below 10/- No charge
do. is between 10/-and 15/- One-third
do. is between 15/-and 20/-Two-thirds
do. is above 20/- Full cost
The Council has also decided that, in view of the desirability
of having an Obstetric Specialist readily available in all cases of
childbirth, the arrangement whereby the patient was required to
contribute towards the Consultant's fee should be discontinued.
The medical practitioners attending cases in the Borough have been
informed that Dr. J. W. Rait Bell may be called in as a consultant
at any time and that the Council will accept full responsibility
for the payment of his fee. His services were obtained in eight
cases during the year.