PRIVATE MATERNITY HOMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1923, Page 4

PRIVATE MATERNITY HOMES.

BOA ltd) OF HEALTH KECOAIMEX DATiON'S. DUNEDIN', Sent. 22. A circular sunt to the licensees of private maternity homes by direction of the Director-General of Health, conveys certain recommendations by the Board of Health. One of these recommendations is that a proportion of one registered nurse to every four patients is required, an extra trained nurse to be engaged for every additional four patients or fraction thereof. Every patient as soon as the baby is born becomes two patients. This clause is strongly criticised by the licensees whose opinions were asked this morning. One puts the position thus: “A little mental arithmetic will show that three patients plus three babies will pay a weekly fee amounting to UI4 2s till, out of which the licensee will have to pay a cash fee of .til 4s to her extra trained nurse, leaving £9 18s (id with which to hoard three patients, two nurses, and one domestic. Six at 30s per week is £9 and 18s (id i- left for other incidental expenses, such as rent, telephone, upkeep, etc., and her own salary.”

Another licensee made the following comments: '•.Most ol the private maternity homes have two private nurses, some three. Until recently wo were given to understand that, one trained nurse was sufficient for every six mothers and six babies, and if we have to provide one trained nurse for every two others and two babies, it means adding so much to the expenses of the establishments that we shall have to put ut) the fees. f am informed that our fees in Dunedin are lower than in some other places; certainly they are not higher. \Ve charge nine guineas a fortnight for each mother and baby, or

ten guineas if a single room is required. Those fees are within the reach of women in ordinary circumstances, and it would he a pity if we put them up out of reach. Let me add that «t sometimes cut the fees for prior persons. If the expenses of maintenance are increased we shall not lie able to help in that way. It is worth mentioning also that the nurse's salary of four guineas a week is not likely to come down. 1 assure you that the margin of profit for the licensees is not so great as to allow expeti-es to lie so appreciably increased. If would lie interesting lo know wlmt is being done in the Stale maternity hospitals. What about the

large percentage of probationers employed at those homes, where trained nurses are of the greater value because they have to instruct. If the recommendation- become regulations, some of the private homes will have to give up." The second recommendation is to the effect that adequate domestic help niu-i be provided. Assuming that this, means extra domestic belt), the question is to be asked where maid., are to

he got, and related to this there i- the question id aeeomtuodnfiou, for if ihe| stall is to be increased by employing more nurses and more .servants. it means that either the accommodation lor patients must lie reduced er the premises made larger. Opinions seem to vary as to Die new requirements and the equipment of the premises. Some licensees think this unnecessary : others say tint! the extra accommodation asked for is quite necessary; indeed, this extra expense has already been incurred voluntarily by se.nu' licensees. The fresh directions a, to diet are voted as uncalled for. Every mother has her own doctor, who looks alter her diet in a general way, and though lie does not ns a rule actually prescribe (ho diet, he would soon make a fuss if it were unsuitable. 'lie Dunedin licensees are to hold :t meeting to discuss the rocommonda-