London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Richmond upon Thames 1966

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]

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MIDWIFERY SERVICE
Training
Six midwives are approved as teachers.
Two midwives attended refresher courses as required by the rules of the Central
Midwives Board.
Sixteen pupil midwives from Epsom District Hospital, King Edward VII. Hospital,
Windsor, West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth, and Queen Charlotte's Hospital, Hammersmith,
completed their training on the district, and at the end of the year five were
in training.
Ten nurses from West Middlesex Hospital taking their obstetric training spent
a half-day on the district observing the work of the domiciliary midwives.
Three midwives attended a Study Day arranged by the London Boroughs Training
Council.
Transport
All the domiciliary midwives drive cars. Two use Council vehicles; the remainder
have their own cars.
Ante-natal Clinics
Total weekly sessions during year (midwives only present) 345
„ „ „ „ „ (medical officer present) 79
„ „ ,, „ „ at family doctors' clinics 431
Mothercraft
Mothercraft and relaxation classes were held at all clinics. A total of 563 women
attended
Further midwives and health visitors attended the course arranged by the National
Childbirth Trust on the psychoprophylactic method for childbirth. This method of
preparation for motherhood is becoming increasingly popular and expectant mothers
in the Borough are most anxious to attend classes at the Council's clinics.

Domiciliary Deliveries

Number of domiciliary confinements attended by midwives under N.H.S. arrangements.Number of cases delivered in hospitals and other institutions but discharged and attended by domiciliary midwives before 10th day
(1)(2)(3)(4)
Doctor not bookedDoctor bookedTotal
14641655573

This table relates to women delivered, and not, in the case of multiple births, to infants.
8,787 visits were made to these mothers.
All midwives in the domiciliary midwifery service have been advised that patients,
who are to have a domiciliary confinement, should be referred to their family doctor
either for booking or for the latter to refer the patient to a practitioner on the obstetric
list.
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