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(a) War Memorial Hospital.
(b) British Hospital for Mothers and Babies.
The Council's arrangements with these hospitals were fully reported on in the
Annual Report for 1930, but it may be convenient to refer to them briefly here:—
At the War Memorial Hospital the Council reserve twelve beds for children
under five years, and sufficient accommodation as may be necessary for 66 maternity
cases per annum. In addition the hospital authorities are under contract to provide
emergency treatment as occasion arises for such cases of midwifery as require it.
At the British Hospital for Mothers and Babies, such accommodation as may be
necessary for 144 confinements per annum, and for their ante-natal treatment, is
reserved for cases sent by the Borough Council.
vii. Midwifery and Maternity Services.
There are no whole-time midwives employed by the Council. By the courtesy
of the County Medical Officer of Health I have been able to ascertain that 61 midwives
residing in the Borough gave notice during the year of their intention to
practise.
The services of a Consultant Surgeon are available for cases of obstetric emergencies
and difficulties occurring at home, and for consultation and treatment in
cases of puerperal fever or puerperal pyrexia. Arrangements have also been made
for the home nursing of such cases and for such bacteriological investigations as
are necessary.
The Council's Maternity Services are fully described in the Maternity and
Child Welfare Section of the report.
viii. Institutional Provision for Mothers or Children.
There are no special provisions for the institutional treatment of unmarried
mothers, illegitimate infants or homeless children in the Borough, but in February
1934, the Council agreed to make a grant towards the cost of maintenance of
Woolwich cases admitted to Stretton House Home, Grove Park, a home maintained
by the Southwark Diocesan Preventive and Rescue Work Organisation for unmarried
mothers. No grant, however, has yet been made.
ix. Health Visiting.
The arrangements made for the visiting of children between the ages of one
and five years are described in the Maternity and Child Welfare Section.