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By this re-visiting, a close and careful supervision is kept
on all expectant mothers who have availed themselves of the
Maternity and Child Welfare S'cheme.
Post-natal cases are referred to these clinics for examination,
suitable provision for treatment being made where
required.
3.Midwives.
In 1934 102 midwives notified their intention to practise
in the Borough; the large majority are allocated to, and
practise from, the Maternity Hospitals in West Ham, or from
Branch Homes of District Nursing Associations. There are
comparatively few private midwives in regular practice.
Remarks: The Midwifery service in West Ham is adequate
and of a high standard.
4. Maternity Hospitals (providing beds for cases recommended
as suitable either (1) because of abnormality of pregnancy or
(2) anticipated difficult labour, or (3) because of unsuitable
home conditions).
There are, for maternity cases, 45 beds at Queen Mary's
Hospital, Stratford, and 56 beds at the Plaistow Maternity
Hospital. Both these Institutions are subsidised by the
Council.
Forest Gate Hospital has a large maternity block of 40
beds, and there is close co-operation regarding patients between
the staff of this Hospital and the Maternity and Child
Welfare staff. Through attendance at the Clinic arrangements
are made with the Public Assistance Department for
women who so desire it to book for subsequent admission for
confinement to Forest Gate Hospital.
Abnormal ante-natal cases requiring observation and inpatient
treatment are admitted readily to Forest Gate Hospital,
or to the two voluntary maternity hospitals through the
Resident Obstetric Officer.
5 Puerperal Fever. Admission to Hospital.
Such cases can be admitted at once to Whipps Cross
Hospital or to Plaistow Hospital.
Home Nursing is undertaken by the nurses from the
various District Nursing Associations.
Consultant Advice for a difficult maternity case can be
obtained in the patient's home bv anv doctor upon application
to the Medical Officer of Health. The Council retains the
services of three Obstetric Consultants for this purpose.
Bacteriological Examination can be obtained by application
to the Medical Officer of Health, and is carried out at
Queen Mary's Hospital.
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