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Earlier in this report it was shown that the Nelson Hospital
admitted 224 cases from the Urban District, the number
referred to this and others hospitals from the Council's clinics
being as follows:—
Nelson Hospital 1
Kingston County Hospital 16
Other Hospitals 1
18
They were referred for the following reasons:—
Obstetrical 5
Medical 10
Home conditions 3
18
(For cases admitted to hospital under the Puerperal
Pyrexia Regulations, see Page 69).
Emergency Maternity Unit. In accordance with the suggestion
of the Ministry of Health contained in Circular 1622
the Council entered into an arrangement with the Nelson
Hospital for establishing an Emergency Maternity Unit to
deal with maternity emergencies in the patient's own home
where the case is not fit to be removed to Hospital. The
Hospital Council provides the Unit which is staffed by doctors
and midwives of the hospital and the District Council pays an
agreed fee for each occasion it is called out. To secure the
services of the Unit, the practitioner communicates with the
hospital. It has not been called upon as yet.
Consultant Service. A specialist's opinion may be had in
cases of obstructed labour, emergencies of pregnancy, or
puerperal pyrexia. One case was assisted in this way during
the year.
Home Helps. Domestic assistance may be provided for
expectant and nursing mothers with limited means, during
confinement or whilst away from home undergoing treatment.
The usual period for which this help is supplied during confinement
is fourteen days. The number of helps provided was
18, 5 free of cost and 13 on part payment.
Sterilised Maternity Outfits. Sterile Outfits in sealed
metal containers for use at confinements may be had from the
"Welfare Centres or from the Council's midwife. They are
supplied at cost-price and in necessitous cases at half-price or
free of cost according to means.
Six outfits were supplied—two at cost-price, one at halfprice
and three free.
39