MATERNITY HOSPITAL STAFFING

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28104, 20 October 1956, Page 2

MATERNITY HOSPITAL STAFFING

PROBLEMS DISCUSSED BY PARENTS

Staff shortages in maternity hospi tals wore discussed after an addre« bv a gynaecologist to members o f thr Christchurch Parents’ Centre. Wav* f o combat those shortages wore suggested by sneakers, and overseas examples given Among them were mentioned home confinements and short oning the stay of mothers in hospitals.

It was felt that many former trained nurses who were unable to work rigid hosnital hours could be made available to attend mothers at home on a parttime district basis.

Doctors at the meeting presented the case for quicker discharge of pa tients to make for more efficient use of maternity beds. A member of the centre raised the question of combating the spread o antibiotic-resistant infections by means of home confinements or reduced length of stav in hospital. . Members considered that means must be found to bring a more homelike atmosphere into maternity hospi tals.

The president (Mrs H. Holmes) re ported on the mothers’ classes, of which there are now two each week A fathers’ class, conducted by Mr Hugh Adams and a doctor, who is als< a father, will be held at the next meeting