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49
service became known to the public.
I regret that in only 4 cases a Doctor was also in attendance.
I should like to feel that every poor mother in Enfield had the
service, not only of a Midwife, but also a Doctor, and that in addition,
a Home Help was present to look after the family and relieve
the mother of all household responsibility during the lying-in period.
It is pleasing to record that 52 cases were supplied with a Home
Help during 1935, as compared with 30 in 1934. This number will
be exceeded in 1936, for this new scheme, like others, is becoming
very popular as the public realises the benefits of it.
Each case is investigated by the Committee in order that steps
should be taken to ensure that help is only granted in those cases
where it is necessary.
During 1935 dental treatment and/or dentures were provided
for 224 ante natal or nursing mothers as compared with 150 in 1934.
There is also a scheme whereby ante-natal or nursing mothers
may obtain treatment for ear or eye defects through the School
Medical Service.
There is one important direction in which our maternity service
has been improved.
The Council will realise that in a district like Enfield, 12 miles
or more from London, it is difficult to obtain a Specialist, possibly
in the middle of the night, to help in a difficult confinement case.
When help is required it is wanted immediately.
During the year it was possible to arrange with the Middlesex
County Council for a Gynecologist and Obstetrician from the North
Middlesex County Hospital to be available to the Practitioners of
Enfield when attending confinements of Enfield women in the
District. All that the Practitioners have to do is to telephone to the
Hospital when they will be able to consult immediately with the
Specialist who is resident at the Hospital. In cases where it appears
to be necessary, the patient is admitted to the Hospital; in other
cases the Specialist visits the home in consultation with the Practitioner
in charge of the case. Each time the Specialist visits a case
the Council pays to the Middlesex County Council a fee of £2 2s.,
and of this a reasonable amount is obtained from the patient.
Although the scheme has only just commenced it has been made
use of in 4 cases. In one case the sum of £1 1s. was paid by the
patient, and in the other three cases no charge was made.
I have received letters of appreciation and thanks from patients
where this help has been given. It is very gratifying to think that
any Doctor in Enfield can obtain this help almost immediately, and
I consider this to be one of the wisest steps the Council has taken in
connection with the abating of maternal mortality in the District.