MATERNITY HOMES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 64, 2 August 1912, Page 5

MATERNITY HOMES.

DEPUTATION TO THE MINISTER

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Lost Night. The Wellington division of the British Medical Association waited on the Minister in charge of Hospitals to-day with reference to St. Helen's Maternity Hospitals. ])r. Herbert said that the profession had no antagonism to the homes, provided that they benefited the right people. The medical profession gave its practical support only from a desire to put them on a surer foundation. He urged that the homes be made charity institutions. He admitted that the poor can go there through the Charitable Aid Board, but it was not right that poor women should be forced to go to the board, thus exposing their poverty. A great majority would not do so. Women who cannot afford to pay at St. Helen's must be given better facilities where their home surroundings are unfit. Such cases should ha admitted, but at present the doctors had no right to send cases there. Once the boards established maternity wards in general hospitals it would turn out better-trained nurses in every respect that 'St, Helen's could ever do. Dr. Gibb, in answer to the Minister, said that the doctors' opinion was that the boards should take over St. Helen's Hospital. Poverty should be the chief recommendation for admittance.' The Minister said that he would consult his officers before giving a definite reply. He would not, without full consideration, be prepared to make tbs homos free. ]t would be better to add maternity wards to the hospitals.