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

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Richmond upon Thames 1967

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond upon Thames]

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MIDWIFERY SERVICE
Training
Six midwives are approved as teachers.
Four midwives attended refresher courses as required by the rules of the Central
Midwives Board.
Twenty-three pupil midwives from West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth, and
Queen Charlotte's Hospital, Hammersmith, completed their three months period of
training on the district.
Six nurses from West Middlesex Hospital taking their obstetric training spent a
half-day on the district observing the work of the domiciliary midwives.
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) 302
„ ,, „ „ „ (medical officer present) 75
„ „ ,, „ „ at family doctors1 clinics 454
Mothercraft
Mothercraft and relaxation classes were held at all clinics. A total of 646 women
attended.
Two midwives 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
5542547492

This table relates to women delivered, and not, in the case of multiple births, to infants.
7,144 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.
Notification of intention to practise
Under the rules of the Central Midwives Board, 39 midwives notified their
intention to practise within the Borough. Nineteen of these were domiciliary midwives;
the remainder of the midwives were practising in hospital.
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