Part Two: Family, maternal and child health

The technical operation of the antenatal consultation is the responsibility of a doctor.

Doctors assigned to infant consultations must be approved by the doctor in charge of the departmental maternal and child protection service. These doctors must have special knowledge of paediatrics and must never have been the subject of professional sanctions. The approved doctor will carry out the consultation in person and, except in the case of annual leave or illness, may only be replaced in exceptional circumstances; the replacement must always…

All infant clinics must be staffed by at least one nursery nurse, nurse or midwife, who may be assisted by one or more nurses, nursery nurses or midwives. Within the limits of the laws and regulations in force, trainee nurses or midwives may be authorised. Nurses and midwives must have no financial relationship with the consultants.

Social services are provided by a social worker. If the size of the consultation does not justify the participation of a full-time social worker, the social service may be provided by a social worker delegated by a social service organisation.

In all infant clinics, a qualified person is on duty at all times during opening hours to co-ordinate the activities of the various departments, respond to requests for information, receive any complaints and, in general, ensure relations with the outside world. This person cannot be the nurse in charge.

All staff at the clinic are required to observe the rules of medical confidentiality, and consultation records must be kept safe from any indiscretion, under the responsibility of the doctor in charge.

Before taking up their duties, all members of staff must undergo a general medical examination, including : – a chest X-ray, unless an X-ray less than two months old can be provided ; – a tuberculin skin test. In addition, staff members are required to undergo a clinical examination every year, following which the occupational physician may prescribe any additional investigations he deems necessary.

The child’s health record must be presented.

Compliance with the conditions of this section is required of any collective or individual organisation as soon as it is no longer the personal practice of a practising doctor.