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analgesia and anaesthesia.
Gas and air analgesia continued to be available for patients
during the second stage of labour. The machines used were the
Walton-Minnitt apparatus, and since September also the Queen
Charlotte's apparatus which was very generously presented to us
by the National Birthday Trust Fund.
Number of
Details of cases. Patients.
1. Gas and air analgesia during the second stage of labour 516
2. Gas and air analgesia followed by gas and oxygen
plus ether 35
3. Other analgesia or anaesthesia
(a) Gas and oxygen only 8
(b) Gas and oxygen plus chloroform 8
(c) Chloroform only 6
(d) Gas and oxygen plus ether 40
— 62
Total 613
This number represents 88.7 per cent. of the patients delivered
in the Hospital. Two patients only refused to try the gas and air
analgesia. In the majority of cases where it was not administered
there was an adequate reason.
Results of gas and air administration:—
Relief from pain
Good. Moderate. Nil.
Walton-Minnitt Apparatus 83.4 12.5 4.1
Queen Charlotte's Apparatus 85.0 9.9 5.1
In no case was there any ill effect on the mother or infant.
perineal lacerations.
There was a total of 271 cases.
1. Doctors' Cases:—
Primigravidae Multigravidae Total
(a) Vertex presentation,
spontaneous delivery 13 2 15
(b) Breech presentation 12 1 13
(c) Vertex presentation,
forceps delivery 45 6 51
(d) Face presentation 1 - 1
Total 71 9 80