H.—3l

24

"Note by Medical Officer. —I have to report a successful year at this Hospital. There were no very abnormal cases. The only maternal death was moribund on admission. In this case version was performed and the child delivered quickly, but the patient never rallied. Hyoscin was used in fifteen cases, all primipara. One patient had a bicornate uterus, and one had a double vagina. In this last case I could not determine whether there was a second uterus. There was a second undeveloped cervix. The Matron, Miss Ludwig, has worked hard and very successfully during the year, and has trained the nurses very well. The high position gained at the State examination was due in a great measure to her exertions. The Sub-Matron has also worked well. The pupil nurses, as a whole, have worked satisfactorily. The Hospital is very cramped for room, and the want of a proper sterilizing outfit and a good delivery theatre is often severely felt. St. Helens Hospital, Christchurch. Stipendiary Medical Officer : William Irving, M.R.C.S., Eng., L.R.C.P., Lond., M.8., B.S. UnivCamb. Matron : M. M. Cameron. From the Ist April, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912, 262 cases were confined, 252 children were born, and there were 9 still-births. There were no maternal deaths, 5 deaths of infants. 94 patients were attended in their own homes, 94 babies were born. The work of this Hospital has gone on very steadily ; at times the accommodation has been severely taxed, and it is not too soon that tenders have been called for a new hospital. It is hoped the building will be erected by the beginning of 1913. A complaint of long hours being imposed on the pupils was carefully investigated, with the result that it was proved that the ordinary hours of duty were eight, but that now and again it was necessary to arrange a ten-hour shift. This had only been necessary for one period of about ten days during the year, while at other times the Matron had been able to give pupils much, longer time off. The uncertain nature of midwifery work renders it impossible to make a regular definite schedule of hours, and nurses may often be on duty merely waiting for their cases to come off. Twelve pupils were trained and registered during the year ; two free pupils were trained and have gone to the country. Dr. Irving's capable conduct of the medical department of the Hospital, and the conscientious management of Miss Cameron, aided by Sister Newman, have been very satisfactory to the Department. Note by Medical Officer. —The year has been successful, and work satisfactory. It is to be hoped that next year we shall be able to have all the patients and nurses under the same roof. The conditions under which the nurses live and their accommodation at present are not creditable.

Report of the St. Helens Hospitals from the 1st April, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912, compiled from Reports by the Physicians and Lecturers.

No. Remarks. No. Remarks. Total deliveries | q , 886 460 Haemorrhage — Accidental Infants born— 723 626 24 17 Nearly all had album i n u i i a ; 1 eclampsia. a f M - Sex .. | R Unavoidable Post partum 11 26 Twins Presentations — L.O.A. R.O.A. E.O.P. L.O.P. Breech Footling Transverse Face Compound — Head and hand .. Breech and feet .. Unknown, outdoor Prolapse of cord.. Hydramnios 731 323 114 54 24 4 7 6 Secondary 3 in twin cases ; 1 precipitate, several albuminuria, 3 placenta preevia. Occurred in eclampsia. 3 persistent 3 1 Operations — Induction 2 1 small pelvis; 1 eclampsia. 3 placenta prsevia ; 2 transverse ; 1 contracted pelvis. 5 2 58 5 23 Version 12 Forceps Manual removal of placenta 116 29 Primip. Multip. i g * lnstrum. Lacerated Perinseum. First degree Second degree .. Third degree .. Other lacerations 71 26 18 39 8 1 2 23 7 2