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61
TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE MATERNITY
AND CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A report on your Maternity and Child Welfare Services is
presented in the following pages.
Notified births reached a new peak for recent years, while the
total infant mortality rate was the lowest ever recorded. The
maternal mortality rate was again low, a result, at least in part, of
some 86 per cent. of expectant mothers receiving ante-natal supervision
under your Committee's arrangements.
The work at Thorpe Coombe Maternity Hospital reached a
new high level during the year, made possible by the discharge of
patients at ten days after normal childbirth. A scheme of selective
bookings had to be adopted which gave rise to much extra work and
correspondence.
District Midwifery cases reached a high level and great credit is
due to the District Midwives. The strain on the Maternity Services
generally was met with success, due to the good work of all the staff.
The resignation of Miss F. Bambridge, Matron of Thorpe
Coombe since its inception, was received with regret.
In conclusion, I would record again your unfailing help and
consideration.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Medical Officer of Health.
STAFF
Resignations
Bambridge, Miss F Matron, Thorpe Coombe 4.2.46
Lambert, Mrs. D Health Visitor 12.8.46
Procopiou, Miss P Health Visitor 30.4.46
Puckle, Miss N. Matron, Thorpe Coombe 10.7.46
Appointments
Evans, Miss J Clerical Assistant 28.1.46
Lambirth, Miss B Clerical Assistant 25.2.46
Manton, Mrs. M Clerical Assistant 28.1.46
Mitchell, Miss I. Health Visitor 28.1.46
Puckle, Miss N. Matron, Thorpe Coombe 1.3.46
Randall, Miss L. Matron, Thorpe Coombe 11.7.46
NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS
2,659 births (95 of which belonged to other areas) were
notified during the year under the Public Health Act, 1936.
Notifications were received as follows:—Doctors and Parents,
305 ; Midwives, 2,354.
Included in the above are 282 births which were notified as
having occurred outside the borough.