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Orthopaedic Treatment. Children suffering from orthopædic
defects are referred to the Nelson Hospital under the
general arrangement with that Hospital for the treatment of
infants attending the Welfare Centres.
Maternity Hospital Treatment. Out of 965 births which
took place during the year, it is known that 558 occurred in
hospitals or private Nursing Homes. This is 8 more than in
the year before.
Under the arrangement with the Nelson Hospital,
Maternity cases may be admitted from the Council's services
to that Institution. Complicated and Puerperal Pyrexia cases
may also be admitted to Queen Charlotte's Hospital.
Earlier in this report it was shown that the Nelson Hospital
admitted 230 cases from the Urban District, the number
referred to this and other hospitals from the Council's clinics
being as follows:—
Nelson Hospital 3
Kingston County Hospital 1
Other Hospitals —
4
They were referred for the following reasons:—
Obstetrical 1
Medical 2
Home conditions 1
4
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.
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