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Provision of Maternity Outfits.—In 1930 the Council agreed to supply
sterilised maternity outfits for the use of necessitous mothers in order to ensure
the necessary cleanliness in domestic midwifery and with a view to minimising
the risks of maternity. They are supplied free, half cost, or cost price, according
to the family income, the Council's economic circumstances scales being used as
tests of necessity. During the year 103 applications were received: 96 were supplied
—66 free, 13 at half cost, and 17 at cost price.
Compensation to Midwives.—Whenever an assistant medical officer finds it
necessary to recommend hospital treatment for expectant mothers referred to the
Council's ante-natal clinics for ante-natal examination by midwives, the midwife
loses her patient if the mother accepts the advice of the medical officer and is
admitted to hospital. In these cases the Council make a payment of 10s. by way
of compensation to the midwife subject to certain conditions, which are referred
to in detail in my Annual Report for 1931, being complied with. During the year
compensation was paid in seven instances.
Payment of Midwives' Fees.—During the year the appropriate Committee
of the Council decided that the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme should be
enlarged by adding a provision guaranteeing the payment of midwives' fees where
such appeared to be necessary or desirable, and authorised the Medical Officer
of Health, if he was satisfied that the interests of an expectant mother were not
prejudiced thereby, to make a payment not exceeding 25s. in respect of any one
confinement, subject to the presentation of a report to the Committee. No
payments were made during the year.