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were engaged on maternity cases, and 39 (121) mothers received
their services during the period.
The Domestic Help Service was available to the following
classes of patient in need of domestic help: —
(1) When the housewife falls sick or must have an operation.
(2) Where a wife is suddenly called away to see her husband
in hospital, and arrangements have to be made to look
after the children.
(3) Elderly people who are infirm or one of whom suddenly
falls ill.
(4) Where several members are ill at the same time, e.g., an
influenza epidemic.
This service had been greatly appreciated, and without it
many cases who have been nursed at home would have had to
be admitted to hospital, thereby aggravating the acute shortage
of hospital accommodation.
On 4.7.48 5 (5) full-time and 108 (153) part-time home helps
were being employed; 229 (406) cases received assistance during
the period up to 4.7.48.
The organiser has worked in close co-operation with the
Superintendent Health Visitor and the District Midwives, and
has attended the Midwives' Ante-Natal Clinic.
WOODLANDS MATERNITY HOME
The number of cases admitted up to 4.7.48 was 161 (330).
During 1947 322 cases were admitted.
Dr. Housden, the Clinical Medical Officer, conducts the antenatal
clinics, and treats all cases requiring medical attention other
than private doctors' cases. He visits the Home daily, and thus
continuity of observation and treatment has been attained.
The electrically heated cot purchased for the care of the
premature infants born in Woodlands has been used on several
occasions.
The gas and air apparatus for analgesia has been very successful,
and has been greatly appreciated by the patients.