A NATIONAL PROJECT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 99, 28 April 1945, Page 6

A NATIONAL PROJECT

The public appeal shortly to be launched by Auckland business men for £100,000 with which to endow a Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the proposed new Auckland hospital for women is deserving of the widest support. The need for greater faeilities^ for post-graduate courses ,in obstetrics and gynaecology is so great that, the project cannot be viewed in any parochial light; the need is national and the support the project receives | should be on a national basis. In 1930 j the women of New Zealand, by raising 'funds for the endowment of a Chair of Obstetrics at Dunedin Medical School, enabled great advances to be made in theoretical training, but the opportunities for practical training have been limited. The Auckland women's hospital is being planned primarily for post-graduate work, the need for which, always great, has been increased by war conditions. Many young practitioners cannot afford to go overseas to obtain the experience and knowledge which will be essential to them in their practices, especially in the more remote districts where the services of specialists are not readily available. Doctors who have given several years of service overseas during the war will also welcome the opportunity of going through refresher courses before resuming practice, Avhich must deal with the health of women and children patients. The Auckland committee which is interesting itself in the establishment of an endowment has wisely decided not to wait for the new hospital to be built, Taut to take steps immediately to ensure that a professor of the necessary standing and experience is appointed at the earliest date. The making of such an appointment will obviously not be possible until ]the necessary funds are in sight, but, in view of the urgency of the need, there should be no doubt as to the response. In 1930 the appeal for funds to endow the Chair of Obstetrics at Dunedin found Dominion-wide support; the appeal now sponsored by Auckland business men should receive similar support.