MATERNITY NURSING.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18149, 12 August 1924, Page 5

MATERNITY NURSING.

AUCKLAND PRIVATE HOSPITALS MAT GIVE UP., (SPECIAL TO "ICT iPBISS.") AUCKLAND, August 11. There is some concern in Auckland over the threatened voluntary closing 'of several private maternity hospitals. Eepresentatives of these small institutions state that they are unable for financial reasons to meet all the iequiremefits of the revised regulations, and earn a living,- with perhaps a small profit.' There is talk of surrendering their licenses in October. The position in Auckland, is singular from a medical point of view. The accommodation for maternity cases in well-equipped private hospitals is limited; indeed, a shortage is admitted by expert observers. The circumstances necessitate either an ittcrfiaaC in the number of such hospitals, or the establishment of a commodious public hospital for maternity cases. The position has already caused embarrassment to a number of prospective mothers, who have fcTund difficulty in arranging for accommodation in private hospitals. From a general point of view, however, the popularity of private hospital treatment has waned. Many more patients than, usual aid now being attended in their own homes. The oldfashioned sentiment about being born at home has been revived. The septicemia scare, too, has not yet been dispersed. What was recommended by the Commission which recently investigated cases of maternal mortality in Auckland promises to come much more quickly than was generally anticipated. The Commission" found that the private maternity hospital system in New Zealand was unsatisfactory from every and stated bluntly that, while its services to the community should be recognised, a complete and drastic change was called for. There is a feeling among proprietors and lessees of such hospitals that they are being harassed by the regulations. That, of bourse, is an ex&gg&ation, but the feeling exists. Other observers say that the process of gfa&uil eitinjjplishment was in long before there wis any sigh of preparation of a belter system. . x . The jaijW policy d6os Hot yet appear to be constructive, it merely eliminates, without any development in a more aferyiee&ble dirpctioi.