31

H.—3l

Trained nurses are now recognizing the importance of training in midwifery, not so much with the idea of practising but rather as a means of securing better positions either in the Department or under Hospital Boards.

St. Helens Hospitals.—Statistics for 1923.

State Maternity Hospitals. St. Helens Hospital, Wellington. ■ — Miss Newman, formerly Matron of St. Helens Hospital, Christchurch, took up duty as Matron in January, 1923. Dr. Agnes Bennett reports : " The value of ante-natal care is again emphasized in the history of albuminurias. All supervised cases did well. Two deaths of the three were bad emergency cases ; the other was an elderly multipara who had an extremely bad history, was poorly nourished, and overworked. She collapsed and died during labour. There is no doubt that the small morbidity list reflects the care and successful technique of the staff." St. Helens Hospital, Dunedin. —The number of cases in this hospital has increased. Dr. Siedeberg reports that twenty-eight were admitted for ante-natal treatment, many having toxic symptoms showing as excessive sickness, jaundice, or fainting attacks. After hospital treatment and advice they returned home and carried out the treatment there, later returning in labour and going through normally. All cases of morbidity were slight except one case of staphylococcus infection. Ante-natal treatment received special attention and has been very successful this year. St. Helens Hospital, Auckland. —This hospital has more than justified its existence with a record of over 500 births inside, compared with the 370 reported last year as having taken place in the old building. Dr. Inglis reports a successful year. He states that owing to better conditions the morbidity list was the lowest since 1906, when the Hospital was opened, in spite of two influenza epidemics. The ante-natal and baby clinics have been well attended. It is now possible to perform any required obstetrical operation on the premises. There was a complete absence of septicaemia throughout the year. The two deaths recorded were due to —(1) Heart-disease, the patient being moribund on admission and dying immediately after confinement; (2) albuminuria and fatty heart —sudden heart-failure ten minutes after completion of labour. He again pays a high tribute to the work of Miss Broadley, the Matron, and states more trained help will be required in the near future. St. Helens Hospital, Christchurch. —This hospital has also had a change of Matron, Miss Bagley succeeding Miss McLeod on the appointment of the latter to the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium. There is still urgent need for an isolation ward, and further accommodation for ante-natal patients is also required. Dr. Anderson remarks upon the large number of cases of albuminuria who had disregarded their medical attendant's instructions re ante-natal diet —one patient died suddenly in an eclamptic fit having refused to carry out her doctor's instructions. Townley St. Helens Hospital, Gisborne. —There has been a decided increase in numbers here. The staff still labours under certain disabilities with regards to conveniences, but it is hoped that with a few necessary additions in the near future better conditions will prevail. St. Helens Hospital, Invercargill. —Of this Hospital Dr. Mac Gibbon reports : " This has been a particularly successful year, free from complications, although interesting work has been done. There have been no real morbidity cases, no death of a mother, and no death of a full-time child." St. Helens Hospital, Wanganui. —The admissions here are increasing to such an extent that it is likely additional accommodation will be required in the near future. Dr. Wilson states that the work throughout the whole year has been satisfactorily conducted. The buildings outside and in are in need of attention,

Town. Auckland Wellington ChristchuTch Dunedin Invercargill Gisborne Wanganui Bi ctd ( rent g 511 8 311 3 286 9 164 5 139 6 118 6 137 8 Deaths of Deaths of ., , , „ Mothers. Infants. Outdoor Cases - Pupil Midwives qualified. 2 8 235 3 5 70 1 8 155 0 2 70 0 3 11 0 1 4 1 4 9 17 19 14 10 7 6 6 Totals .. 1,666 45 45 7 31 554 31 79