NOTED OBSTETRICIAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26274, 4 October 1946, Page 6

NOTED OBSTETRICIAN

SIR W. FLETCHER SHAW VISIT TO DOMINION (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Oct. 3. The importance of post-graduate work in all branches of medicine and surgery owing to the rapid modern increase in knowledge was emphasised by Professor Sir William Fletcher Shaw, of Manchester, who arrived from England by air to-day. He said that much attention was being given to the question in Britain at present. Sir William, who is chairman for Dominion affairs of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, has been sent to New Zealand by the college at the invitation of the New Zealand Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society. He will advise cn the foundation principles of the Auckland nost-graduate obstetrical and gynaecological hospital in order that this centre may be recognised by the Royal College as a training centre for its higher examinations. “ It is most important to bring men up to date," Sir William said. Every training school in England had for years done a certain amount of postgraduate work, but this had been un-co-ordinated. Now, under Government sponsorship, an attempt was being made to organise and regularise this activity through one central authority. By way of salary subsidies and courses the Government was also assisting both consultants and general practitioners discharged from the services, either to complete their training or to refresh their knowledge. Sir William indicated that maternity hospitals in England were experiencing staffing difficulties similar to those of New Zealand. Many women were still in the forces, but" those being discharged were apparently avoiding three occupations—domestic service, stenography and nursing. Considerably improved pay and conditions introduced over a year ago had failed to attract more nursing staff. On the other hand, better conditions, including shorter shifts on duty, had multiplied the number of nurses required, A full programme has been arranged for Sir William during his visit to New Zealand. He will leave Auckland on October 23 for Wellington, and will later visit Christchurch and Dunedin.