Ward rounds have been regarded as a traditional forum for the teaching and training of trainees. The aim of this research project was to look at what role ward rounds play in the medical education of trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology. A questionnaire comprising 10 statements devised around the theme of quality of medical education and the overall experience of ward rounds was distributed at the Specialist Registrars monthly training days. A total of 46 completed questionnaires were received. The ward rounds took place at least twice weekly at the Welsh Deanery hospitals, however, none of the trainees regarded these ward rounds as 'teaching' ward rounds. A total of 32 (70%) of the trainees disagreed or were uncertain that they learnt something new on ward rounds each day and 34 (74%) of trainees agreed or strongly agreed that in the presence of a consultant, SpRs are not given a chance to lead a ward round. The educational role of the ward rounds does not seem fully utilised in the Welsh Deanery Hospitals and needs to be developed further to suit the needs of junior doctors.

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Ring pessaries are frequently used to relieve the symptoms of utero-vaginal prolapse. So far, the assessment of the size of a ring pessary required by a patient has been subjective. We have developed an instrument, called a 'Ring Pessary Sizer', which could objectively estimate the size of ring required by a patient. This article details a prospective study of 37 patients who were using ring pessary without any problems for whom the Ring Pessary Sizer was able to correctly estimate within one size of the ring in 31 (84%) cases. A Ring Pessary Sizer would make the choice of the size of a ring pessary more objective for a clinician and less inconvenient for a patient. This will also have numerous cost saving benefits.

Transport in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an important development in assisted conception. We report our experience of transport IVF treatment from May 1993 to April 1996 at Arrowe Park Fertility Centre. A total of 74 patients were treated during this period. The main indications of treatment were tubal damage, unexplained infertility of more than 3 years duration, polycystic ovarian disease and endometriosis. Total number of simulated ovarian cycles were 101. Thirteen cycles were abandoned. Eighty-eight transport IVF cycles led to 29 pregnancies, giving a live birth rate and on-going pregnancy rate per patient of 31% and per cycle rate of 23%. There was one case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Of the 74 patients, 70 (95%) patients preferred to have treatment at the local hospital. Transport IVF is an effective, efficient and economic way of providing assisted conception at district general hospital. The success rate and safety of transport IVF are comparable with conventional IVF treatment.

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