Maternal Mortality

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1921, Page 1

Maternal Mortality

BOARD OF HEALTH MOVES IN MATTER.

WELLINGTON, July 27

The prominence given to the supposed excessive maternal mortality rat-.* in the Dominion in comparison with other countries was given lengthy consideration at a meeting of the Board of Health.

The Hon C. J. Parr, Minister of Health, who presided, in iiitVodueing die subject, referred to the somewhat startling report which had appeared in a publication issued by the United States’ Labour Bureau, crediting New Zealand with having the second highest maternal mortality rate in the world. He was satisfied that in New Zealand there was an unduly heavy mortality, due to sepsis, ft would be for the Board to investigate the causes of puerperal mortality and indicate remedies. Mr- Malcolm Fraser. Government Statistician, who was present by request, said the figures given in the United States’ report for the particular year were correct.

Some valuable information and deductions made from the figures supplied bv the Department on the mortality question as affecting the Dominion were given by Dr 11. J. Jellett, tor nine years master of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, one of the largest maternity lio*pitals in Great Birtain. Dr Jellett, who has resided in Christchurch lor some time, gave as the three factors for the mortality in Now Zealand Ihe increased virulence of the organism, unsuitable surroundings, and somewhat excessive operative interference, oftentimes associated with child-birth. The reduction of operative interference* was immediately essential, hut it was dtfii cull, to see how this could he accomplished. He suggested the establishment of an obstetric staff college, where training according to the latest ideas could be carried out.

After discussing the matter fully, the Board agreed to set, up a committee consisting of the Minister of Health, .Sir Donald MeGuvin, and Dr J. S. Elliott to review all material placed before the Board, and to report to next meeting. It was also suggested tlint the committee might, in view of the tact that the local branch of the Medical Association had given the matter attention, invite its opinion as to remedying the present \t,ate of affairs.