Section 2: Minimum standards applicable to antenatal consultations.

The general organisation, staff, equipment and all the services of an antenatal clinic must be adapted to the maximum number of pregnant women who can normally be seen during a single session.

All premises must have an impermeable floor or a floor coated with substances that allow frequent washing. Walls and partitions must be coated with washable paint. The premises must be cleaned and aired after each consultation. The premises must be thoroughly washed at least once every fortnight.

Ventilation must be permanent and designed to function in all seasons without causing discomfort to consultants. The minimum temperature of the premises must never be lower than 18°.

The establishment must have drinking water. Waste water must be disposed of in accordance with hygiene regulations. A sufficient number of toilets and washrooms must be ventilated.

To protect against the risk of fire, the antenatal clinic must have : 1° Water stations ; 2° Sufficient fire extinguishers; 3° a rapid call system to the nearest fire station. The construction and layout of the premises must allow for rapid evacuation in the event of a fire.

Each antenatal clinic must have at least : 1° A medical office with all the equipment necessary for a proper examination of the patients, including a gynaecological table. At least two dressing tables must be attached to this office and arranged so that the patients have direct access to the office; 2° A special room in which a midwife or nurse collects the patients’ urine and analyses it (for sugar…

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

Doctors attached to antenatal clinics must be approved by the doctor in charge of the maternal and child protection service. The approved doctor must attend 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 be a person who fulfils the conditions required by law. When carrying out group examinations, the doctor must show the…

All antenatal consultations must be attended by at least one nurse or midwife, who may be assisted by one or more nurses or midwives. Within the limits of the laws and regulations in force, trainee nurses or midwives may be authorised. The 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.