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12
Midwives.
There are 9 midwives in the district who were appointed by the
Essex County Council, and are available to act in the capacity of
midwife, and of maternity nurse, under the supervision of a registered
medical practitioner.
In addition there are 4 Home Nurse-Midwives, 2 Independent
Midwives and 1 Independent Maternity Nurse practising in the area.
Nursing in the Home.
In addition to the Home Nurse-Midwives there are 5 Home Nurses
working in the district.
National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 47.
No cases were dealt with during the year under this Section although
certain circumstances were investigated with a view to determining
whether such action was appropriate.
In any large district it is obvious that the type of circumstance
implied under Section 47 is bound to arise from time to time. If,
however, by a combination of voluntary and official agencies and the
support of relatives it is possible to avoid practical action in terms of
Section 47, then I think it is probably all to the good. People of the
kind we have in mind are often suspicious, unco-operative and essentially
averse to going into institutions (partially or largely because
they have no first hand knowledge of them) and are very apprehensive
of entering them. It is, however, surprising how regular visits by a
sympathetic visitor can almost imperceptibly break down reserve,
engender confidence and in the end secure if not a complete solution
of the problem, at least a palliation which enables an institutional
bed or place to be allotted to a very urgent case without at the same
time permitting an aggravation or continuance of local inconvenience.
The work of the Sanitary Inspector in dealing with complaints
from neighbours concerning aged, infirm or eccentric persons is unobtrusive
but invaluable. It should also be said that a complaint
is seldom the beginning of the story. Rather is it usually found that
some neighbour has been helping for a long time but eventually finds
that the task is becoming insuperable and—out of consideration for
the plight of the person concerned rather than for their own benefit—
only then is the matter brought to official notice.
There must be a great deal of selfless service devoted by neighbours
and friends in instances of this kind and this without the assistance
of any organised movement.
The Home Help and District Nursing Services under the charge
of the Area Medical Officer merit high praise also in the same connection
and it can safely be said that these services render tolerable and keep
tolerable for lengthy periods conditions which otherwise would undoubtedly
require radical action by the Sanitary Authority.
Medical Examinations—Staff.
The services of private practitioners are secured for these examinations
save in instances where an existing employee's suitability for
continued employment is in question, which examinations are carried
out by the Medical Officer of Health.