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MIDWIFERY SERVICE
The Domiciliary Midwifery Service was carried on on the same lines as in previous years, and
during 1968 there were 1,047 home confinements. During the year 1,339 expectant mothers were
booked for home confinements and full antenatal care, including blood tests, relaxation and mothercraft
training was given. However, some of these mothers were transferred to other areas in the country
before the expected date of delivery, and 265 were admitted into the Hospital before or during labour.
249 of these mothers were discharged soon after delivery, and they were nursed at home. In addition,
120 of the mothers booked for Hospital delivery were discharged early for various reasons and they
were nursed at home.
All domiciliary midwives have excellent working arrangements with the local general practitioners
and every effort is made to maintain, and if possible improve, this co-operation. In addition all midwives
served for four days each in the Duchess of Kent Maternity Unit at Hillingdon Hospital. This
was done firstly to give assistance in the Maternity Unit at a time of staff shortage, and secondly to
become familiar with Hospital methods and routine. Throughout the year and earlier, discussions
had been proceeding with a view to commencing a scheme for the Hospital delivery of selected
domiciliary cases. It was intended that these cases should be delivered in the Hospital by the domiciliary
midwife concerned, who would then, in conjunction with the general practitioner, arrange for
the case to be returned home, and the remainder of the nursing care given there. The development
of this scheme will be described in the next Annual Report.
The midwifery establishment consists of the Non-Medical Supervisor of Midwives, the Deputy
Non-Medical Supervisor and 22 full-time midwives. Every effort is made to keep the midwives upto-date,
both as regards their equipment and knowledge, and refresher courses are undertaken according
to the Central Midwives Board rules. During the year 27 pupil midwives completed Part II training,
and were successful in the examination for State Certificate. In addition, 52 Obstetric Nurse Students
were received for practical experience in domiciliary midwifery.
HEALTH VISITING
A Health and Advisory service to families and individuals operates, and is ever widening. Health
Visitors continue to visit the vulnerable groups in the community and make assessments to prevent
mental, physical and emotional ill health and its consequences, but their recommendations cannot
always be put into operation because of restrictions in manpower and resources of the appropriate
services. Liaison with professional and social work staffs of local authorities and hospitals and also
general practitioners is maintained.