NURSING MOTHERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29672, 16 November 1961, Page 2

NURSING MOTHERS

Shorter Stay In Hospital

A Bradford experiment in reducing the length of time that mothers stay in hospital after giving birth may be taken up in other cities, says the “Yorkshire Post.” The experiment was begun more than two years ago in St- Luke's Hospital, Bradford. Some mothers were sent home two days after the birth of their children, instead of being kept in the hospital the usual 10 days. Now. Dr John Douglas, Medical Officer of Health for Bradford, reports that the scheme has been successful, and it has been possible to give satisfactory reports to other authorities who have shown interest.

Dr. Douglas said the scheme was introduced to free more hospital beds for women who need ante-natal treatment. Women went into hospital on the understanding that they might be selected for an early discharge. Many women preferred to go home early, particularly if they had other children. There had been no evidence of any harm being caused to the mothers, or their babies, by the early discharge. St. Helens Hospital, Christchurch, yesterday reported that the average discharge for mothers and babies was nine days after delivery. A member of the Christchurch Parents’ Centre said many mothers belonging io the organisation went home two or three days after delivery.

But it depended entirely on the doctor’s direction, the well-being of the mother and baby, and if good home help and nursing care were available. Some mothers preferred this early discharge if rooming-in was not availabel at a hospital.