OBSTETRIC PRACTICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23548, 11 July 1938, Page 6

OBSTETRIC PRACTICE

TRAINING OF STUDENTS AND MIDWIVES COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS The inauguration of post-graduate vacation courses in midwifery at the Otago Medical School, on lines similar to those followed in the English and Scottish Universities, is recommended by the Committee of Inquiry into Maternity Services. . Other rtecommendations made by the committee, after a comprehensive study of the needs and conditions or obstetric training in New Zealand, include the following:— . That in view of the paramount importance of sound and practical training of medical students in obstetric practice, the Government, . hospital boards and charitable institutions having the care of parturient women be urged to do all in their power to assist the university in the matter of increasing the case material available for instruction of students. That the appointment of resident house surgeons to the St. Helens and larger public maternity hospitals be considered. ~ , , After a detailed consideration of the present position regarding the traming and control of midwives and maternity nurses the committee advances the following recommendations:—. 1. That in the interests of efficient training the present “closed” system be adhered to in training schools for midwives, and that in these schools the appointment of tutor midwives be given consideration. 2. That short compulsory refresher courses be held fqr practising midwives and maternity nurses. Such courses should be free of cost. 3. That no measures be taken which might have the effect of reducing the efficiency of midwives’ training. 4. That an adequate system of superannuation for midwives and maternity nurses be introduced. 5. That legislation be enacted conferring on the Nurses and Midwives Registration Board powers for imposing adequate discipline on the midwives and maternity nurses under its jurisdiction.