London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Willesden 1939

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

This page requires JavaScript

32
APPENDIX E.
19th July, 1939.
HOUSES FOR MIDWIVES.
It is suggested that two houses be obtained for Midwives, one in the neighbourhood of Nicoll
Road area and one in the neighbourhood of Dyne Road. If possible, garage accommodation or space
for garages should be associated with each of these houses. Each house would accommodate two
Municipal Midwives and two Pupil Midwives.
The annual cost of upkeep of each house is estimated as follows :—
1. House. £2,000 at 4% for 30 years 115
2. Furniture and equipment, £500 at 4%
for 10 years 61
3. Repairs to house 40
4. Rates and taxes 80
5. Telephone 24
6. Replacement of furniture, linen, utensils,
brushes, etc., at 15s. per week 39
7. Domestic laundry and personal laundry
of Midwives and Pupil Midwives to be
undertaken at the Municipal Hospital at
15s. per week 39
8. Heat and light at £1 per week 52
9. Cleaning materials at 5s. per week 13
10. Food for 5 at 15s. per week each 195
11. Domestic Help at 35s. per week 91
£749
The provision made for domestic help is small because it is anticipated that the Midwives
and Pupil Midwives would help with the keeping of their own rooms in order.
Present Cost to Council and Midwives.
If a house were established as above, the following present costs would be saved:—
£
Council—Telephones at £12 per annum per Midwife 24
Laundry for 2 Midwives at £10 per
annum per Midwife 20
Laundry for 2 Pupil Midwives at £10 per
annum per Pupil Midwife 20
Maintenance of Pupil Midwives at £2 per
week 208
£272
Midwives—Charges for board residence—
2 Midwives at £2 5s. per week 234
Total £506
Additional Cost.
It will be observed that the additional cost per annum is estimated at £243 per house.
It is suggested that this additional cost be met as follows:—
(1) that the two Midwives assume responsibility for the running of the house, the provision
of food and the provision of domestic help at an estimated cost of £286, being an increase on
their present payments of £52 per annum or 10s. per week each ;
(2) that the Council assume responsibility for all other payments estimated at £463,
being an increase on their present payments of £191 per annum.
These suggestions have been placed before the Midwives concerned, and I am unable to say
that they entirely approve of the suggestion of an additional payment by them of 10s. per week each.
GEORGE F. BUCHAN.