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(b) Medical.—Your Council decided in the first instance to
invite the Medical Practitioners of the town to co-operate in the
clinical work of the Home and a scheme of Administration was
discussed with a Consultative Committee set up to represent the
local doctors.
A General Practitioners Ante-Natal Scheme was evolved under
which each midwife's case booking at the Home was given the choice
between attendance for medical examination at the Clinic or from
any doctor whose name appeared upon the medical aid rota. A
total of 29 doctors elected to act on this rota and have given
excellent and efficient service.
The Home opened for the reception of patients on the 1st May
but, unfortunately, the approval of the Ministry of Health of the
General Practitioners Ante-Natal Scheme (which being a new
departure in the area, required approval) was not received until
the 30th May, 1934.
It is a matter of regret that only some ten midwives' cases
chose to come under the scheme up to the end of 1934. A fee of
5s. for each of three ante-natal examinations is payable, and one
of 5s. for a post-natal examination. In the case of insured women
a fee of 5s. is paid for the report.
A memorandum issued by the Medical Officer of Health to
Medical Practitioners in the area stated that the Home was principally
intended for the following types of patients:—
(а) Complicated midwifery cases.
(b) Women whose home circumstances are unsuitable for
finement.
(c) Complicated cases of pregnancy which require observation
and treatment.
It was stated that cases of puerperal sepsis and abortion would
not be admitted; that the services of the Council's panel of Consultants
and Anaesthetists would be available, and that the use of
masks and gloves would be compulsory.
(c) Ante -Natal.—Your Council were fortunate enough to secure
the services of Dame Louise McIlroy, D.B.E., to take charge of the
Ante-Natal Clinic and to act on the panel of Consultants. The
Clinics held were progressively increased from one per month to
one per fortnight, and then one per week. Later in 1934, and in
order to cope with the increased bookings, Dr. Helen Rodway,
M.C.O.G., was appointed to take charge of an additional weekly
Ante-Natal Clinic.