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49
is not required to meet any cost other than that which the parents
are not able to contribute towards the actual cost of the treatment
provided at the convalescent home, or which is not forthcoming
from charitable sources.
During 1933 arrangements were made for the convalescence of
35 children. Payments to the Invalid Children's Aid Association
during the year amounted to £62 15s. 9d.
Midwives and Midwifery Assistance.—There are 38 midwives
residing in the Borough who have notified to the local supervising
authority (the London County Council) their intention to practise,
and 17 midwives who practise in the Borough but reside elsewhere.
Of the total number 27 are engaged in private practice, the remaining
number being employed by voluntary associations.
In order to meet the needs of those mothers who desire to be
confined in their own homes and are unable to pay a midwife's fee,
the Council adopted a scheme in 1920 under which it accepts financial
responsibility for the whole or part of the cost of a midwife's services.
Application for assistance under this scheme is made upon a
printed form, showing the size and income of the family, the name
of the midwife to be engaged, the fee to be charged, and other
relevant information. The statements made in the form are verified
by the Health Visitor, and the Medical Officer of Health considers
each application with a view to making an appropriate recommendation
to the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee as to
the suitability of the case for assistance and the sum to be paid by
the Council.
The fees of midwives in attendance on 30 mothers were paid
by the Council during the year, the payments totalling £26 17s. Od.
Maternity Outfits.—Following upon the issue of Ministry of
Health Memorandum 156/MCW regarding maternal mortality, the
Council arranged for a stock of sterilised maternity outfits to be
kept at the Town Hall for issue to expectant mothers who arrange
for their confinements to take place in their homes. These outfits
are supplied to the Council at a cost of 6s. Od. each, and are issued
to applicants at or below cost price, or free of cost to persons who
are unable to make a contribution.
Eighty-two outfits were issued during the year. Twelve were
sold at cost price, 21 at a reduced price, and 47 were supplied free