Closing of Essex Hospital

Press, 28 March 1980, Page 12

Closing of Essex Hospital

Sir, —I fully endorse the comments of your correspondents concerning the closing of E-ssex Hospital (March 26). In most areas of New Zealand a woman can choose her own doctor and also the hospital in which she is to have her baby. This basic right is now effectively denied to women in Christchurch, who must choose between. Burwood, Lincoln, or the clinic at Christchurch Women’s. The limited bed space at Burwood and Lincoln means that the majority are forced to use the clinic facilities and have' absolutely no say in who delivers their baby. Christchurch women must now' pay private fees for a service that is free in most other areas in New Zealand. Could the North Canterbury Hospital Board please justify its rationing system? —Yours, etc., KAY SQUIRES. . March 26, 1980.

Sir, — On the one hand, the medical profession seems to be doing all it can to dissuade Women from giving birth to their babies at home. On the other hand, the Hospital Board appears intent on blocking ail avenues of choice in the matter of childbirth, by forcing all women through the same depersonalised system. If the Hospital Board is .determined to continue reducing the instutional options available to women, surely the alternative provision of “maternity squads” for home deliveries is essential. I hope that the women of Christchurch will care enough to show their displeasure when it comes to the local body elections later this year. — Yours, etc.. ’ DENISE ANKER. March 25, 1980.