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Of the patients attended by midwives acting as midwives, 323
were assessed to pay the full amount, in 162 cases no charge was made,
while 365 were assisted. The corresponding figures in regard to patients
attended by midwives acting as maternity nurses were 178, 29 and 25.
The average number of cases attended by each midwife was 67.5.
Analgesia by Midwives.
Consideration was again given to this subject, with the object of
more especially arranging that facilities might be put at the disposal of
those mothers attended by the Council's midwives. Towards the end
of the year the Central Midwives Board amended their rules with regard
to the qualifications of the second person who was required to be present
when the analgesic was being administered. In spite, though, of the
broadened basis of qualification it did not appear that there could be
available during war-time a supply of suitably qualified persons. Because
of the difficulties of putting into force such arrangements it was
decided that " in view of circumstances of the war consideration of this
matter be deferred until after the cessation of hostilities."
Home Helps.
The attraction of the greater financial rewards of industry, recruitment
to the Services, and the competing demand of those requiring
assistance and who offer larger wages have resulted in its being increasingly
difficult to maintain on the Council's panel of helps sufficient to
meet all demands.
Consideration was given to the question of the methods by which
more persons might be made available. It was felt that the suggestion
in the Ministry of Health Circular 2729 of the appointment of full-time
home helps so far from alleviating might even aggravate the position in
that the knowledge that a number had been appointed to undertake
full-time work might result in those who are engaged actually removing
their names from the panel and so reducing the available pool. Difficulties
in administration without there being any obvious advantages
in the payment of the retaining fee, left, as a means of retaining those
on the existing list, and even the hope of adding the names of others,
only the method of an increase in the remuneration of those actually
engaged. It was therefore decided to increase the rate from the previous
5s. to 7s. 6d. a day. (P.H. Committee, 22/4/43.)
It was formerly the practice of the Council not to accept as a home
help who would be paid by them one who was a near relative of the
patient. Owing to the greater extent to which women are now gainfully
occupied such a condition would result in the relative suffering pecuniary
loss if she acted as home help. In such circumstances their payment
is now approved.
WAR NURSERIES.
Spencer Road nursery opened in February, and in July nurseries
were opened at Walton Avenue, South Harrow, Buckingham Road,
Edgware, and Kenmore Road, Kenton. It was decided that in selecting
children for admission preference should be given to those of mothers