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Emergency Maternity Unit.
In accordance with the suggestion of the Ministry of Health
in Circular 1622, the Council, by arrangement with the Carshalton,
Beddington and Wallington District (War Memorial) Hospital,
established an emergency maternity unit. It is intended for use
in the patient's own home for maternity emergencies where the
patient is unfit to be removed to hospital.
The medical attendance is provided by members of the hospital
medical staff and the nursing assistance by the nursing staff. The
equipment is contained in two fitted chests kept at the hospital and
the Council's ambulance furnishes the means of transport. To
secure the services of the unit, the practitioner communicates
with the hospital. It has not been called upon so far.
Maternity Outfits.
Sterilised outfits in sealed metal containers are provided for use
during confinement at cost price. In necessitous cases they may
be had at half price or free, according to circumstances.
Eleven outfits were provided during the year, 10 free of cost
and 1 at half price.
Home Helps.
The services of a domestic help may be obtained for mothers
with limited incomes during confinement or during the illness of a
nursing or expectant mother or in other special circumstances.
The mother's contribution towards the cost is fixed by an income
scale.
Thirty-four helps were supplied during 1938, 14 free of cost
and 19 on part payment.
Midwives.
Two midwives are appointed by the District Council under the
County Council's Scheme for the provision of a salaried midwifery
service formulated under the Midwives Act, 1936.
The full scale fees fixed by the County Council for the services
of the midwives are as follows :—
As Maternity Nurse 35s.
As Midwife 40s.
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