Husbands ’Presenceln Maternity Hospitals

Press, Volume C, Issue 29648, 19 October 1961, Page 2

Husbands ’Presenceln Maternity Hospitals

(KZ Pres* Anodatlon) OAMARU, October 1«. The Department of Health to in accord with the Maternity Services Committee that husband* should be permitted to remain with their wive* in maternity hospitals during the first stage* of labour only. This was the summary of a letter received from the director of the Division of Maternal Welfare Dr. C. N. D. Taylor, by the Waitaki Hospital Board today. The board had previously referred to the department a letter from an Otsmatata father on his attendance at a con- > Qnement. The Maternity Service* Committee recognised that there wa* increasing pre*-

sure from some sources to permit the husband to be present with his wife during the progress of labour, and at delivery, said Dr. Taylor’s letter. The committee was agreed that the presence of the husband during the first stage of labour could be supported, provided that he had been well briefed beforehand. In some eases, his presence during the second stage might be permitted, but discretion would need to be exercised. The committee was not prepared to recommend this practice, except in special circumstance*. “R was agreed that if the doctor in charge of the ease, the patient, and the nursing staff wish the husband to go into the labour room, then his presence would be accepted. provided snob a course did not conflict with the rules of the hospital.” Dr. Taylor s letter said.

> “The committee felt t strongly that the wishes of t the doctors and of the nursl tag staff should be given i paramount consideration. and that the presence of husbands . should not be permitted without their agreement,” he ■ Mid. The committee felt that the ’ Waitaki Hospital Board had acted in a reasonable manner in the instance it had quoted, ’ and that the way was still ' open for husbands to attend confinements where special ; permission had been obtained from the medical superinten- , dent, and where other requirements were fulfilled. Asked subsequently what I the policy of the Waitaki , Hospital Board was. the man- [ aging-secretary, Mr W. M. > Ririurdson, said that it bad t been decided some time ago ■ that hustrnnds could attend i cootoementa provided the t hospital’s surgeon-auperinten- . deni, Mr C. L. Tucker, gave his consent