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(c) a senior medical student, or
(d) a pupil-midwife, or
(e) a retired midwife who has surrendered her certificate
in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Midwaves'
Act, 1936, or
(f) a woman who is over 21 years of age and who is,
and has been for at least a year
(i) a V.A.D. or ordinary member of the British
Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John,
or
(ii) a whole-time member or part-time auxiliary of
the Civil Nursing Reserve
is present at the time of administration in addition to the
midwife in charge of the case.
Administration by a midwife of any anaesthetic, otherwise
than under the personal direction and supervision of a registered
medical practitioner, is regarded as treatment outside
her province."
Copies of the amended Rule were issued to the midwives practising
in Leyton.
Under Sec. 7 of the Midwives, Act, 1936 it became the responsibility
of every Authority to provide or arrange for the provision
of "Refresher" courses for midwives practising in its area.
Except in special circumstances midwives were required to undergo
such courses at intervals of not more than 5 years.
In January, 1939 I communicated with the Plaistow Maternity
Hospital, which had been approved by the Central Midwives Board
for the purpose of conducting such courses, and I had planned to
send the Leyton midwives to attend these courses in turn. Before
arrangements were finally made, Section 7 of the Midwives, Act,
1936 was withdrawn owing to the national emergency and the
impossibility of holding "Refresher" courses. I am now informed
by the Central Midwives Board that arrangements for the courses
to be resumed are under consideration by the Board, and approved
institutions will be notified when the courses may recommence.