| Abstract: | At a private hospital not affiliated with a teaching institution, a system was set up in the obstetrical department under which general practitioners carrying out deliveries had the advice and aid of specialists in obstetrics and were required to call for it in stated circumstances. General practitioners carried out about half of the 17,076 deliveries at the hospital in an eight-year period. Teamwork was stressed. Results were comparable with those reported from many of the well-known institutions.In addition, a special anesthetic service was organized for the obstetrical department. Anesthesia was administered by young physicians who not only were versed in anesthetic procedures but had special training in obstetrics.The service was available at any hour, and the physician carrying out delivery could count upon competently administered anesthesia when it was needed, as well as upon consultation and assistance should the need arise. |
