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59
It will be seen from this table that out of the 1,036 births which
took place in the district, a midwife was present alone or with a doctor
in 880 cases, and in 156 cases the patient was attended by a doctor
without the assistance of a midwife.
This is a matter of importance in that it is the intention of the
Minister of Health that in course of time there shall be a midwife
in attendance at every confinement. When such time arises the
Minister will be able to exercise his powers under the Midwives Act
1936 and prohibit the attendance of unqualified persons to assist any
woman in labour except in an emergency.
In 117 cases medical aid was sought by midwives. In these
cases the doctor's fee is paid by the Council according to a scale laid
down in the Act. The Council then has the right to recover from
the person responsible for the maintenance of the patient such
sum as it may deem wise.
The fees paid to doctors during the nine months for which the
Council has been the Local Supervising Authority amount to £86
and of this £27 17s. od. was recovered.
SUPERVISION OF MIDWIVES AND NURSING HOMES.
The functions of the Middlesex County Council in this respect
were handed over to the Urban District Council of Enfield as from
the 1st April, 1937.

These homes have been inspected regularly by your Medical
Officers.