MATERNITY NURSES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1929, Page 5

MATERNITY NURSES

3Y TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT.

PALMERSTON N., March 14

'Hie policy followed by the Health Department regarding training of maternity nurses was outlined by the acting-Director General of Health, Dr Watt, at the Hospital Board’s Conference this morning, when suggestions were made for alteration in the system. There was a lengthy discussion and ultimately by 30 votes to 15, the Conereuec carried a Wairau icniit insisting that the Health Department be re. quested to have Nurses and Mid wives Registration Act amended to provide on the certificate the only alternative. The remit was with-drawn and the matter will lie taken up by the Executive. 'Hie Wairau delegate said the number of trainees in his district have begun to decrease in an alarming manner. Following an exo!;; nation of the 1925 Act by the Ashburton delegate, Dr Watt said the Aci was an integral and important step it) the campaign against maternity mortality. Dr Watt quoted figures to sb*m the number of nurses sitting for examination had not decreased under itic new Act. although the figures for i'D’A wore loss than in 1927. The Department and Registration Board would regard it as a retrograde step to revert to Fie old system, said Dr Watt, who added that at present there were too many midwifery training schools, and he wou 1 see the number reduced.