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Greater Vancouver Regional Hospital District
2294 WEST TENTH AVEINUE VANCOUVER 9, BRITISH COLUMBIA TELEPHONE 731-1155

Please refer to our file number:

Mr. R. A. Freemen,

City Clerk,

Corperation of the City of Port Coquitlem,
2272 McAllister Avenue,
PORT COQUITLAM, B.C.

Dear Sir:

Your letter of August 24, 1973 to Mr. G. Curiisle regarding
Obstetric-Neonatal and Gynaecological. Services has been referred to the

Advisory Committee for consideration.

By way of reply, we would make

the following points:

i.

Be

he

The Committee which conducted the study and wrote the
report on Obstetric-Neonatal and Gynaecological Services,
was composed of highly respected practicing specialists
dram from various parts of the District and included a
physician from Fort Coquitlam to represent the views of
physicians in that area,

The intent of the recommendations are to provide the
most effective overall care in these specialties to
all patients at a reasoneble cost.

The report was adopted by the Regional District Board,
with little debate from Board Members, at its meeting
May 2, 1973.

The report's recommendation regarding Coquitlam has been
approved by the Minister of Health Services and Hospital
Insurance.

A continuing decline in the birth rate strongly suggests
consolidation of obstetrical facilities and this has
already been recognised by some hospitals who have
voluntarily phased out these services.

As with most human endeavors, highest quality of performance

is
is

achieved and maintained through mich practice. Reference

made to item 4 on page 4 of the Report ~ study and exper--

idence have shown that lerger units (3,000 or more deliveries
per year) are "more Likely to render a higher stondard of

professional care..."

The lower Limit for effective

operation md quality performance is deemed by experts to be

1,500 deliveries per year.

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