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16
results that have been achieved throughout the country during the
past year that it would be foolish to moralise on the strength of
them or to be in any way complacent. There never was a time
when it was so difficult to prophesy for the future and I feel that
every effort and every step that has been taken in the past to maintain
and secure the health of our women and children should be
continued in unrelenting fervour during the war. I am not of
the opinion that we can afford to risk the cessation of any of those
efforts which have been found successful in the past.
This report would be incomplete were I not to pay high tribute
to the Council's Midwives for their work during the latter months
of 1940. During the nights when, as the black out descended, the air
raid siren sounded and the barrage commenced, alone, unaccompanied
and unprotected by special mask or helmet, your Midwives attended
their cases without query or complaint.
Sometimes, they had to walk, or cycle, quite considerable
distances to reach their patients, but they unfailingly succeeded in
doing so. I know that they have had not only my admiration but
also that of the Members of the Council.
I would also like to pay tribute to the Enfield mothers who
during these terrible times waited for the midwife in patience,
without complaint, without hysteria and, may I say, unwarranted
anxiety. Your Midwifery Service has been proud to serve them.
To the Chairman and Members of the Maternity and Child
Welfare Committee I would record my thanks for their courtesy
and confidence at all times.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
D. H. GEFFEN,
Medical Officer of Health.