MIDWIVES AND CHLOROFORM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 6 August 1945, Page 4

MIDWIVES AND CHLOROFORM

CORONER RAISES QUESTION WOMAN’S DEATH IN CHRISTCHURCH Christchurch, July 3. “This case appears to raise the question of whether the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic by midwives is desirable when its use has been abolished by qualified anaesthetists,” said the Coroner, Mr R. Ferner, in delivering h' finding at an inquest into the death of Isla Jean Florence Jeffery, who died in the Grace Maternity Hospital on 3rd July. “It is not a question that this tribunal can decide or express an opinion on,” continued the Coroner, “but it seems desirable that a decision should be made by the proper authorities.” In evidence, Elsie Dilliard stated she was a qualified midwife and was on d y at the Grace Maternity Hospital on 3rd July when Mrs Jeffery was admitted. While Mrs Jeffery was in a late stage of labour she was given a small dose of chloroform. When it was noticed that her breathing had stopped the matron of the hospital and a doctor were summoned. Questioned by the Coroner, witness said she considered herself to be under medical direction when she administered the chloroform, though no doctor was present at the time. She had the permission of the doctor to administer a little chloroform till the doctor’s arrival. The assistant pathologist at the Christchurch Public Hospital, Dr Denqis Tiffin Stewart, stated that he had conducted a post-mortem examination and found toxaemia could be seen in the kidney, liver, heart and lungs but the toxic condition had probably been present for only a few days. Chloroform had been largely superseded by other and safer anaesthetics, said the witness in answer to a question from the Coroner. “It seems to me,” he continued, “that the use of chloroform by midwives is open to risk. I suppose it is unsatisfactory but it is convenient and consequently it is widely used in obstetric practice. Chloroform is specially liable to cause heart failure when a toxic condition is present.” The Coroner found that Mrs Jeffery died on 3rd July from heart failure and failure of respiration, following on toxaemia of pregnancy and precipitated by the administration of chloroform as an anaesthetic.—P.A.