MATERNITY SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 64, 15 March 1940, Page 9

MATERNITY SERVICE

— » — RAISING THE STANDARD

SUGGESTION BY DOCTORS

At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Obstetrical Society held in Wellington a resolution - was passed urging, the New Zealand Hospital Boards' Association to consider the establishment of obstetrical and gynaecological units at all main hospitals in order that the study of diseases of women and their prevention might receive greater impetus, and also that the standard of treatment and care of patients of this group may be raised. The establishment of such units, it was pointed out, would attract to such a service men and women of high training and experience and New Zealand would no longer lag behind other progressive countries which had all seen fit a decade ago to unify obistetric and gynaecological practice in one department for the better nursing of patients, the better training of nurses and medical personnel, and for better clinical and laboratory research. It was also decided to send a resolution to the Ministier of Health stating "that while the successful prosecution of the war is our first charge, the society hopes that the programme of maternity hospital construction will not be allowed to stand over. The society is of the opinion that the necessity for increased population in this country is paramount. In order to encourage the necessary increased birthrate better hospital facilities and Government encouragement of larger families by greater tax relief to fathers and even greater honour to expectant mothers would be a possible initial step." ' ' >. It was decided to congratulate the Auckland Hospital Board on the creation of an obstetrical unit. Dr. Levy, of Wellington, was elected president for the ensuing term. He has been an active member of the society for the past twelve years and has always taken an active' part in liaison matters between the society and the Health Department. Dr. F. O. Bennett, of Christchurch, was elected vice-president, Dr. Doris Gordon, of Stratford, secretary, and Dr. William Gordon, treasurer.