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11
or to offer a different service such as hostel accommodation for the working mother and her child. The main
difficulty regarding this changeover is the financial cost of converting and maintaining an establishment of
this kind.
The Council's own home was full for most of the year. There was a slight increase in the number
of admissions and a considerable increase in the length of stay during the ante-natal period (73 days compared
with 31 in 1967). Many mothers are grateful for the security that the home can give them during the
latter part of their pregnancy, but like to feel that once they have made the decision to part with their child
they will not have to care for the baby for an indefinite period.
Most adoption societies place babies when they reach the age of six weeks, but if there is to be any
delay a mother often prefers to pay foster fees for this period rather than remain with the child and make
the parting still more painful. Some mothers requested fostering for their babies from hospital pending adoption
and this was arranged.
FAMILY PLANNING
This service has steadily expanded since the National Health Service (Family Planning) Act, 1967,
came into operation on 28th June, 1967. Ministry of Health Circular 15/67 requested local health authorities
to examine the services available, review these and, if thought necessary, plan extensions to the service already
provided.
When the Act came into operation, five weekly family planning sessions were held in the Council's
clinics. One session was run by the Council and four by the Family Planning Association. In 1968, three
new weekly sessions commenced, one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. The
sessions now held are: —
London Road Clinic Run by the Council — morning
Kilburn Square Clinic „ „ „ „ — afternoon
Stonebridge Clinic „ „ „ „ — morning
Stag Lane Clinic ,, ,, „ Family Planning Association — evening
Neasden Clinic „ „ „ „ „ „ — evening
Pound Lane Clinic „ „ „ „ „ „ — evening
One Tree Hill Clinic „ „ „ „ „ „ — morning and evening
The Clinic premises are provided free of charge to the Family Planning Association for holding sessions.
Both medical and social cases are dealt with, and advice and examination are free to all women who
apply. Those under 16 are required to produce parental consent. Supplies are issued free to medical cases, but
a charge is made to social cases. Oral contraceptives are not supplied, but medical cases recommended or
expressing a desire for this method of contraception are referred to their general practitioner. The question of
the supply of oral contraceptives from clinics will be considered by the Council early in 1969.
The Council made a grant of £300 to the Family Planning Association in 1968.
INCIDENCE OF CONGENITAL MALFORMATION
In accordance with the requirements of the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and
Social Security, information is supplied to the Registrar General concerning congenital defects apparent at birth.
A summary of notifications received and an analysis of malformations notified are shown in Tables
9 and 10.
MIDWIFERY SERVICE
(Table 11)
There are 16 full-time and four part-time mid wives on the establishment. The number of full-time
midwives has been maintained during the year. Three part-time midwives were employed, the vacancy is not
being filled for the time being.
A scheme for attaching midwives to general practitioners' surgeries is being considered. Midwives hold
their own ante-natal sessions observing close liaison with general practitioners, obstetricians and hospital
services. Ante-natal care includes classes in preparation for childbirth, use of analgesics, i.e. trilene and entonox.
Sterilised maternity outfits are provided for all mothers who have home confinements, and a modified
pack is provided for early discharges from hospital.
The Maternity Medical Services Co-operation Card is used between midwives and general practitioners.
Its purpose is to ensure that each member of the team is aware of the attention given to patients by
other members.
Medical Practitioner Fees
By virtue of the provisions of the Medical Practitioners (Fees) Regulation, 1967, made under Seotion
14 of the Midwives Act, 1951, the Council is not now responsible under the Act for the payment of fees to
medical practitioners summoned for medical aid to "unbooked" cases.
Refresher Courses
Three midwives attended refresher courses during the year to comply with Section G.1 of the Rules
of the Central Midwives' Board which require every practising midwife to attend a residential refresher course
every five years.
Six midwives attended a course in psycho-prophylactic relaxation arranged in conjunction with the
London Borough of Barnet.