A Hospital in Another World?-Chapter 608: Midwife Training Program Begins!

There was no divine spell for hair growth.

Even if there was, Garrett wouldn’t know it.

Of course, this didn’t prevent the surgery from reaching 100% completion, nor did it prevent Garrett from easily earning 850 gold coins (which was the main point).

Although, when Sir Harrington left, the look in his eyes towards Garrett was strangely resentful, reminding Garrett of a dog that had been shaved bald... fгeewёbnoѵel_cσm

Garrett shrugged and went back into the lab to battle with blood magic. One day, two days, no clues in half a day. By the third day, Priest Joanna excitedly informed him:

"We’ve talked with the poorhouses in Nevis and the midwives they employ, and the day after tomorrow, we will start the first class to train them in proper midwifery!"

"That’s great news," Garrett murmured.

Nevis had a total of three poorhouses. Two years ago, they housed more than 2,000, but less than 3,000 poor people. The number of poor receiving outside aid—regular cash and material relief—was about 40,000.

Medical services were also part of the relief funded by the city hall, including hiring midwives for the poor, with a payment set at the average rate for delivering a baby: one silver coin per service.

Not many midwives took this job, only about ten. Joanna managed to connect with all of them through the poorhouses.

Garrett hadn’t even entered the classroom when he heard their loud chatter, coarse voices making jokes. Occasionally, there were loud slaps on the thighs and piercing laughter that could be heard through the door:

"Let me tell you, the other day I delivered a woman, and she was so beautiful, clearly from a good family. But guess what—no wedding ring! Such a woman," she snorted disdainfully, emphasizing her own chastity and piety, "might as well be dead!"

Garrett silently pushed open the door. Instantly, the room fell silent. The woman speaking hastily shoved the wine bottle into her pocket, the cork falling to the ground as she bent to pick it up:

With a crash, the green glass bottle shattered, filling the room with the scent of wine.

Garrett pretended not to notice. He stood at the lectern, his gaze sweeping over their graying hair beneath sooty headscarves, their slightly hunched backs, and the old bloodstains on their sleeves and skirts that couldn’t be washed away. The hygiene here was concerning...

Joanna followed him in. The young priestess stood at the edge of the lectern, pointing to Garrett and raising her voice:

"This is Mage Nordmark, a level six mage and a level six priest of the God of Nature, and the owner of Oak Grove Clinic. Stand up!"

The midwives stood up unevenly, bowing or curtseying, mumbling greetings like "Greetings, Master Mage" and "Respect to the Priest".

Though they were greeting him, their eyes were filled with fear, confusion, and disdain, as if asking:

What is this man going to do with us?

Is this man going to deliver babies?

Is this man going to teach us to deliver babies?!

Garrett pretended not to hear. He raised his right hand, gently pressing down, his voice calm:

"You may not know who I am. I am the owner of this clinic; I am the inventor of the smallpox vaccine that everyone in the city was required to get recently; I advocated for the city’s clean water supply and the construction of public restrooms."

Visibly, the midwives’ gazes changed from fear to shock, then to admiration. They had all experienced these events and had wondered who was behind them. So it was this man?!

"I am not telling you these things to show you my high status." Garrett’s gaze swept over all of them as he continued calmly:

"I want to tell you that I have always had deep concern for the sick, the weak, and the poor. And part of the healthcare system’s duty is to care for pregnant women, and you are the ones who directly care for them. So, I brought you here to train you—"

His tone suddenly turned severe:

"Also, I want you to know that I have significant influence at City Hall. If anyone can’t learn or refuses to do what I teach, I can easily ensure the poorhouses won’t hire you!"

This threat was straightforward, clear, and easy to understand. The midwives immediately started to clamor:

"What if we can’t learn?"

"I can’t even read, how could I possibly learn this? Priest, you can’t be unreasonable!"

"My poor little Lila... I’ve had 13 children, 11 of whom died, only my granddaughter is with me... If I get fired, how will she live?"

Arguing, defending, crying, some were nearly about to drop to the ground, crying and complaining. The ten or so people made noise like more than twenty. Even the little snake poked its head out from Garrett’s oak staff, flicking its tongue at the scene.

Garrett wanted to facepalm but couldn’t lose his composure. Joanna stepped forward and slammed the table with a loud bang:

"Quiet! Do you think we don’t know how much you can read, what you understand, or how you work? Our nature priests are not clueless!"

She stared them down with overwhelming authority, the flames on her cheeks seeming almost ready to fly off. At her command, the midwives fell silent.

...Big sis is impressive.

Garrett silently gave her a thumbs-up.

Joanna didn’t look at him. She continued to glare at the women below, her voice full of command:

"What we’re teaching you isn’t incomprehensible or impossible to learn, but don’t think you can slack off! Now, all of you, stand up and do the simplest thing! Roll up your sleeves above your elbows and wash your hands!"

Turn on the faucet.

Pick up the soap.

Seven-step handwashing method.

If possible, scrub your hands three times.

All clothes and equipment used during delivery must be sterilized.

Just this step can drastically reduce the mortality rate for mothers and newborns—

In the 19th century, Doctor Semmelweis, known as the "Father of Hand Hygiene," reduced maternal mortality from 12% to 1% with this rule;

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—the world’s top public health school—reported that neonatal mortality in rural Nepal dropped by 44% due to midwives washing their hands.

Yes, washing hands.

Just washing hands.

"Before delivering a baby, when touching the mother, when touching the baby, wash your hands! If you can’t even do this, don’t stay in this line of work!"

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