OBSTETRICAL HOSPITAL

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21940, 14 November 1936, Page 10

OBSTETRICAL HOSPITAL

TO IHB EDITOI OF THB PRESS. Sir,—ln commenting upon Dr. MacMillan’s letter in “The Press ’ of November 11 I should like to say that apparently he has overlooked the published report of the case for a new obstetrical hospital presented to the Minister for Health some weeks ago by a deputation from the Christchurch branch of the National Council of Women. As Dr. Avenlls address to the Rotary Club was very much on the lines of the case referred to, it would appear that Dr. Averijl endorses the action taken, and that his omission of a clear-cut proposal was due to his desire to await the Government’s reply to the deputathat the matter of the need for a new obstetrical hospital was very thoroughly investigated by a sub-committee of the National Council of Women, which Considered the question from many viewpoints, including those of medical and nursing experts. The work of this committee was also referred to in the columns of “The Press.” Many decisions doubtless will require to be made before the hospital can be finalised, and while Dr. MacMillan is probably quite right to draw attention to apparent difficulties, it seems to me that he is clouding the real issue. He apparently is in agreement that the existing facilities are inadequate and out of date. From the point of view of those most interested, namely, the future mothers of Canterbury, let us concentrate first upon securing the goodwill and assistance of the Government towards the provision of a new obstetrical hospital with the best equipment and staff and sufficient accommodation for present and future needs of the district, and let matters of detail take a secondary place. ~ , . Obviously, the Governments decision in the matter must be awaited before the next step can be taken but I agree that every effort should be made (and I have no doubt will• be'* when necessary, to attain the objective. In conclusion. I should like to express the grateful thanks of many, many women of Christchurch to Drs. Avenll and Mark Brown for their outspoken words and constructive endeavours to improve hospital conditions for expectant mothers in Christchurch. It is my earnest hope to see in the near future a new and up-to-date obstetrical hospital on a central site with the best obstetrical staff available, controlled by the Health Department.— YOUrS * A MERE WOMAN. November 13, 1936.