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108
In 1932 the total number of births amongst Willesden residents was 2,745, of which 1,231
(544 and 687) were born in institutions. In 1933 the total number of births will be about the
same and approximately 1,427 (560 and 867) will be born in institutions.
Provision for Ante-Natal Complications. -The Medical Officer of Health has reported that
difficulty is experienced in securing the necessary immediate admission to the Maternity Hospital
of cases with complications during pregnancy, and as it is essential in the interests of safe confinement
that these cases should be adequately dealt with, provision for this group of cases has to be
made in connection with any extension of the hospital.
Extension required. -In all these circumstances the Chairman of the Health Committee
expressed the opinion that it was essential that additional provision should be made at the Maternity
Hospital for the Willesden residents refused admission to the Hospital and the admission of
certain ante-natal cases for which at the moment sufficient provision does not exist. The Chairman
reported that he had been in consultation with the Engineer and the Medical Officer of Health as
to the cost of extension of the hospital to double its present size and the cost of equipment.
Capital Cost. -The Engineer has reported that the extension would cost £19,500 if put up
in brick and tile and £350 to £400 less than this if constructed in the same way as the present
hospital. The Medical Officer reports that the cost of equipping the additional beds would be £1,500
Annual Maintenance. -With regard to the question of annual maintenance, it is estimated
that the annual maintenance of the extension, including loan charges, would cost £6,700, less an
income of £1,000 estimated to be obtained from the patients, or net £5,700 per annum, less any
additional sum obtained by way of increased block grant.
We have carefully considered the report of the Chairman and have heard the Medical Officer
of Health and Engineer and inspected the preliminary plans.
We recommend:-
(1) That the report of the Chairman be approved and adopted;
(2) That the Engineer be instructed to proceed with the plans ; to prepare working drawings
and bills of quantities ; and to obtain tenders for the erection of the building ;
(3) That a sum of £1,500 be allocated for the equipment of the building when complete ; and
(4) That based on the tender accepted application be made to the Ministry of Health for the
necessary loan for the building and equipment.