RELIEVING PAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25052, 16 November 1944, Page 7

RELIEVING PAIN

OBSTETRIC PRACTICE

METHOD OVER-PUBLICISED Regret that a comparatively new method of eliminating pain from childbirth had been unwisely publicised this year in a well-known American magazine was expressed by medical lecturers at the post-graduate course in obstetrics and gynaecology which opened at the Auckland Hospital yesterday. It was stated that the publicity had caused numbers of patients in New Zealand and elsewhere to put pressure on their doctors to use the method. Dr F. 11. Sinale, in describing the method, which consists essentially in

injecting certain drugs in the lower spinal region, said that the magazine had published an enthusiastic account of it before it had been fully reported upon. It had been widely used, but the profession was still not clear concerning its merits and demerits, or even its dangers. At several American hospitals it had been abandoned after previous great enthusiasm, on account of several unexplained deaths. Proportion of Deaths

When everything went well, Dr Sinale said, the method appeared to satisfy almost all the requirements of an ideal anaesthetic agent and the patient had no discomfort whatever. On the other hand, it called for constant attention throughout and was suitable only in institutions where there was no shortage of medical or nursing personnel. It also compelled the use of instruments in many cases which normally would not requirq them. Dr T. It. Plunkett, who presided, said that in 15,000 cases in America there had been ten deaths due directly to the method. A similar proportion over all births in New Zealand would raise the maternal mortality rate appreciably. Other Lecturers In an address on amnesia and analgesia in obstetrics, Dr It. It. Grigor said that the desirability of relief from pain was no more a matter for discussion in obstetrics than in surgery. It was the duty of the obstetrician to reduce physical suffering and mental distress to a minimum in every case without sacrificing the safety of mother and or infant. A considerable, if not complete, degree of relief was usually possible, but the administration of analgesics and sedatives < required a careful study of the individual case. Frequently the various methods had to be adapted to the individual patient and to the circumstances.

The course, which is the last of this year's series, is being attended by over 30 doctors. Lecturers in addition to those mentioned are Drs G-. J. S. Fisher, W. Gilmour, J. Falconer Brown. S. L. Ludbrook, Chisholm McDowell and Elizabeth Hughes, and Messrs J. McMurray Cole, Douglas Robb and Frank Macky.

PROTECTION SOCIETY SOCIAL REFORMS URGED A report of the work of the recent conference of the New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children was presented at the monthly executive meeting. Resolutions urging social reforms include one for the better protection of adolescent girls. In order to combat the detrimental effect of the widespread housing shortage on the community the Government is urged to provide for larger families in its housing scheme. The society asks for regulations under the Child Welfare Act to control the employment of children in street trading, which includes newspaper and milk deliveries, and selling sweets and ices. Reports covering 98 cases were given by the officers. COUNCIL OF SPORT DOMINION BODY'S MEETING Concern was expressed at the alienation of .reserves, particularly by hospital boards, at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Coun- ' cil of Sport held in Wellington. While it wa6 i recognised that provision iiad to be made for ! the sick, and the council bad no antagonism ; toward the hospital boards, it was felt that different planning could be done, so that areas would be available for recreational purposes, thereby helping toward the fitness of the community, and reducing the number of people seeking admission to hospitals. The question of military occupation of recreational areas was also fully discussed. It was decided to ask the Government to declare a national policy concerning ■ the alienation of reserves, and the provision of recreational facilities and playing fields in conjunction with all Government housing schemes.

The management committee was requested to explore the possibility of the issue of special sports stamps, the proceeds of the sale of such to be devoted to physical education, welfare and recreation, and be applied in whole or in part to assisting or subsidising the activities of the New Zealand Council of Sport and its affiliated bodies. It was decided to ask the Minister of Internal Affairs to institute a radio campaign against the vandalism which is prevalent throughout the country. Mention was made of children's playgrounds being damaged, also Stowers and shrubs in reserves.

Th»fi delegates were«addressed by the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, who pointed out the necessity for more playing areas; as men returned from the war. The teaching of swimming to children and the provision of life-saving equipment and facilities for life-saving clubs without expense to the members, were also stressed by the Minister, who said that the Government and local bodies would have to shoulder the financial responsibility of this very necessary service to the community.

It was agreed to ask the Government to allocate a certain amount from art unions to the council's fund 6. The election of officers resulted: —Patron, Dr T. H. Pettit; president, Mr W. A. Jenkins; vice-presidents, Messrs A. Marshall, A. C. Kitto; management committee. Mrs H. N. Wilson, Mrs H. D. Mnir, Lieutenant-Colonel J, H. Phillips, Messrs J. Meltzer, W. A. Baker. H. N. Ballinger, K. J. Hayr, D. T. Woodfield; secretary-treasurer, Mr K. A. Falconer. Mr J. Meltzer was elected chairman of the management committee, and it was agreed that the next annual meeting should be held in Wellington in May, 1945. TEACHERS APPOINTED The following teaching appointments were authorised by the Auckland Education Board yesterday:— Head Teachers.—Mr H. Skiffington, Rangiriri; Mr F. T. Raethel. Tutekehua. Sole Teacher.—Mr R. J. Gale, Taniwha. Secondary Assistant Master. —-Mr A. I> Gilmore 8.A., To Awamutn District High. Assistant Master. —Mr A. D. Simcock. Pasadena Intermediate. Secondary Assistant Mistress. —Miss W. J. Barter, M.A., Rawene District High. Senior Assistant Mistress. —Miss W. E. Burley, Brown's Bay. Assistant Mistresses. —Miss E. Blacklock, M.A., Whitiora; Miss ,T. H. Smith, Kopn Side School; Miss M. D. Collins, Tapaoa; Miss M. Graham. Brown's Bay; M'ss E. J. Matthews. Leamington; Miss D. M. Wheeler, Rnkuhia. The following war appointments were also authorised:—Sole teacher.- Miss P. M. Bishop. Waitetuna. Assistant mistresses: Miss D. G. Wilks, Te Awamutn District High, Intermediate Department,: Miss ,T. L. .Tolly, Rotorua.