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43
of the Department, but also to those midwives in
independent practice.
Dr. Gertrude 11. Stinson, Assistant Medical Officer of
Health, reports:—
"The Municipal Midwifery Service was launched in
November, 1937, when the midwives came into the service
of the Town Council. We have four midwives each doing
excellent work; two for the Bromley Common area; one
for Hayes and Shortlands areas, and one for Plaistow and
Burnt Ash areas.
The response on the district has been good. The
number of cases booked has quite come up to expectations,
and the midwives are kept busy, but not yet overworked.
Their work is good, and their services appear to be greatly
appreciated. They have settled down to their new regulations
very willingly and happily, and realise that they are
a valuable and necessary part of the Borough's Health
Services. They are well equipped, and their equipment is
kept in good order. Their uniforms, both indoor arid outdoor,
are professional and suitable.
The sterilising of all necessary equipment such as
gowns, masks, gloves, towels, etc., is done at the School
Clinic, and as each batch is used and re-laundered the
container is repacked and brought to be sterilised again
ready for use.
The midwives are inspected frequently, and I think
they welcome,an inspection as it gives them an opportunity
to discuss any problem or matter arising in their work.
As the Borough now has its own midwifery service
there is very little to report, since the work done by the
independent midwives is now almost negligible. The
midwives are inspected both at work and in their homes;
their books, charts and bags are seen, and these are
invariably found to be kept up to date and in good order.
There has not been any breach of rules, and everything has
been found to be quite satisfactory."
Poxt-Cfrtificd tc Course.
Arrangements were made for midwives to attend the
Course of Post-Certificate Training at Maidstone during