Care of triplets

Press, 2 August 1985, Page 16

Care of triplets

Sir,—We have heard a great deal recently about freedom of choice. I am surprised by the criticism contained in the letter by Brian Darlow. He should be extremely grateful to St George’s Hospital, Wendover Hospital, Burwood Hospital and the Home Birth Association, for if all the mothers who go there chose to go to the Christchurch Women’s Hospital to have their babies, that hospital’s already-strained resources would be put under even more pressure. Dr Darlow would do better to be thankful that the triplets’ stay was such a short one.—Yours, etc., P. D. MORTLOCK. July 31, 1985. Sir,—l was amazed by Brian Darlow’s letter (July 31) on the care of the triplets born at St George’s Hospital. I found his comment on the public hospital system subsidising the private incomprehensible. The mother concerned has paid her taxes, and therefore has paid for her bed in the public health system, and it is her right to give birth under its umbrella. That she should choose, as is her right also, the private sector (in effect paying twice) can only subsidise the public hospital system. The triplets were transferred back to St George’s maternity department for several days before discharge, so they and their mother saved Christchurch Women’s any further expenses. St George’s maternity department will soon be the only private maternity unit in Christchurch. I say give credit and recognition to the tremendous burden this hospital takes from an already crippled public health system.—Yours, etc., ANNE A. FRENCH. July 31, 1985. [Brian Darlow may reply, otherwise this correspondence is closed.—Editor]