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Arrangements for the Training of Pupil Midwives.
The training of Part II pupil midwives who work in West Ham is undertaken by
Plaistow Maternity Hospital and the Lady Rayleigh Training Home Part II Training School,
The latter also has an arrangement by which part of the training is taken at Forest Gate
Hospital. Pupils from the Plaistow Part II Training School attend Local Child Welfare
Centres, and also come to the Health Department with their Tutor when short talks are
given to them by the Health Department Staff.
Co-ordination of Maternity Services.
The recommendations regarding domiciliary midwifery, the Part II Training School
at Plaistow Maternity Hospital, and the liaison between the three maternity units in the
Borough and the Local Health Authority Services, which were accepted by the West Ham
Borough Council and the Group 9 Hospital Management Committee In 1953 were approved by the
Regional Hospital Board and the Central Midwives Board in 1954.
In May 1954 details were agreed between representatives of the Hospital Management
Committee and of the Health Committee, and by July the West Ham Borough Council had agreed to
(1) the termination of the agency arrangements in respect of the Plaistow Maternity
Hospital Domiciliary Midwifery Service, and the transfer of the area covered to the
direct control of the Local Health Authority.
(2) the provision of suitable arrangements for pupil midwives from the Part II Training
School maintained by Plaistow Maternity Hospital to receive practical training in
the Local Health Authority's Domiciliary Midwifery Service.
(3) the redeslgnation of the vacant post of "Superintendent of Home Nursing Service" to
"Non-Medical Supervisor of Midwives and Home Nurses" and the immediate filling of
this post.
(4) an increase in the establishment of the municipal midwives from 4 to 8.
(5) the Plaistow Maternity Hospital continuing to provide accommodation for the Part II
pupils.
(6) the transfer of the Eldon Road Midwives Home from the Hospital Management Committee
and its adaptation to provide accommodation for two midwives and a caretaker.
(7) the transfer of appropriate equipment, and the purchase of any necessary further
equipment and furniture.
Miss D.Miller, S.R.N., S.C.M., M.T.D., H.V., Q.N.S., was appointed to the post of
Non-Medical Supervisor of Midwives and Home Nurses, and commenced her duties on 1st November,
1954. It is hoped to implement the remainder of the recommendations early in 1955» the
precise date depending upon the completion of the adaptations to the Eldon Road premises and
to Miss Miller having had sufficient opportunity to acquaint herself of the organisation of
the services within the area.
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