Women’s Hospital

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31785, 16 September 1968, Page 14

Women’s Hospital

Sir, —In view of the interest shown in this controversy it would be logical for Dr Berry to state “the many reasons’’ why husbands are totally excluded from supporting and encouraging their wives during labour and delivery in our teaching hospital. If the mother shown on television had the right to agree to the television team’s presence, why has not a normal mother having a normal delivery the right to request that her husband stay with her? Those who do not want this are discriminated against by not being' admitted to the Christchurch Women’s Hospital, where the best medical attention is said to be available. What are these “major reasons” for excluding husbands which apparently do not apply in other hospitals? Instead of encouraging the development of responsibility and loving concern for the family unit, medical science seems intent on separating mother from baby and husband from wife.—Yours, etc., CAROL EGGLESTON. September 6, 1968.

Sir,—Surely the public have the right to know “the major reasons” why fathers are not permitted in the theatre at St Helens. Having assisted my wife through a long and difficult labour and being present at the birth of our first child, I find incredible this complete lack of flexibility at St Helens. No-one doubts that some fathers would create problems, but properly prepared fathers would be more of a help than a hindrance. The basis for any happy marriage is the ability to share experiences together. What right has any administration to deny a properly prepared couple the opportunity to share in what is a natural, unforgettable, jovous ' experience? Would the medical superintendent outline what special problems separate St Helens from other hospitals? 1 Yours etc, EXPECTANT FATHER. September 6, 1968. [The North Canterbury Hospital Board’s medical

Superintendent-in-chief (Dr L. McH. Berry) replies: “In the Christchurch Women’s Hospital we must use the very considerable skill of our staff not only for the benefit of the patients, but also to train further staff for the future. We have developed a technique which we find suitable and I am not prepared to enter into further discussion of this controversial technical subject in the columns of the public press.. If expectant mothers are interested in having their husbands present, arrangements can be made at other hospitals under the control of the board.’’]