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(d) The supervision of the work of the midwife
would be more effective.
(e) The Health Visitor and Midwife would meet
before the latter ceased attending the case.
Any abnormal condition arising from the confinement,
either in the mother or child, would
be explained and could be closely followed up
by subsequent visits paid by the Health
Visitor.
II. Maternity Clinic.—This Clinic is now established
in Willesden and co-operation between midwives
and the staff- of the Clinic would be of the greatest
benefit to mothers.
Expectant mothers will attend this Clinic for
some time prior to confinement and the Medical
Officer in attendance at the Clinic will be in a position
to give valuable information to the midwife as
to abnormal symptoms or possible complications
likely to arise during confinement.
Midwives should also be encouraged to take
advantage of the Clinic by advising expectant
mothers to attend and remain under observation
up to the time of confinement, knowing that they
will be informed of any condition likely to complicate
labour.
Health Visitors.
The Board regard the provision of adequate home visiting
as the most important element in any scheme of Maternity
and Child Welfare, and consider that the Health Visiting
Staff should be equivalent to one Health Visitor for
each 500 births.
In Willesden there are roughly 4,000 births per annum,
and a staff of 8 Health Visitors would consequently be required.