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Midwifery
During the year an arrangement was made with
West Middlesex Hospital for domiciliary
midwives to conduct the confinements of
selected patients in the hospital and to continue
to attend the patients after transfer home
for a minimum period of ten days after the end
of labour This scheme known as Domino'
was implemented in November and it is hoped
will provide a system of continuous patient
care and allow the midwife to maintain her
skilis
During the year there were 338 domiciliary
confinements 589 48 hour discharges and
976 early discharges In addition midwives
from Queen Charlotte's Hospital attended 10
domiciliary confinements 75 48-hour discharges
and 49 early discharges within the borough
The totals for the vear are therefore 348
domiciliary confinements 664 48-hour
discha-ges and 1,025 early discharges
Staff
Thirteen midwives remained in post throughout
the year
Training
Two midwives attended statutory refresher
courses and all midwives enjoyed lectures
arranged by the chief nursing officer Some of
the midwives participated in a two-day in
service training on Preparation for Childbirth'
Pupils
Eighteen pupil midwives completed their
twelve weeks domiciliary training during the
year eight of whom were undertaking training
at Hi11ingdon Hospital In September three
students from West Middlesex Hospital
commenced their domiciliary training (under
the single period midwifery training scheme)
The five statutory public health lectures were
given by Dr E N Christie to twenty eight
students from West Middlesex Hospital Queen
Charlotte's Hospital and Hi11ingdon Hospital
A programme of weekly lectures on community
care' was made possible by the co-operation
of the health (including environmental and
mental welfare) and children's departments
Arrangements were made for these important
series of lectures to be organised by the
London Boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond
upon Thames alternately
Co-operation with Family Doctors
Greater development in the attachment scheme
of midwives has ensued throughout the year
Emergency Obstetric Units
Units are still at Hi11i ngdon and West Middlesex
Hospitals but the services were not required
during 1970
Analgesic Apparatus
Entonox and trilene machines are used by the
borough's midwives
Maternity Service Liaison Committee
The committee met twice during 1970 when
developments and problems of mutual interest
were discussed.
Health Visiting
The year 1970 has been an active and stimulating
one within the health visiting section
of the department
Winds of change have given rise to much
thought on the needs within the community and
the best way of meeting them However the
changes brought about by the implementation
of the Social Services Act before the unification
of the health services has increased the need
for flexibility and communication
The opening of the Family Doctor Unit at
92 Bath Road in January 1970 the Health
Centre in Maswell Park in August and the
attachment of health visiting staff to general
medical practices have paved the way for
closer communication between family doctors
and community nursing personnel
General practitioner/health visitor
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