SummaryOf 309 consecutive cases of epidural analgesia provided by obstetricians, 250 were set up by junior obstetric staff. Midwives managed the epidural analgesia and gave the top-up doses as part of their traditional role in providing pain relief in labour. This practice was thought to be influential in producing a high spontaneous delivery rate. With specialised training and clinical integration the benefits of an epidural analgesic service can safely be provided by obstetricians in a small maternity hospital. IntroductionIf properly managed extradural block provides obstetric analgesia second to none in efficiency, and the provision of an

SummaryOf 309 consecutive cases of epidural analgesia provided by obstetricians, 250 were set up by junior obstetric staff. Midwives managed the epidural analgesia and gave the top-up doses as part of their traditional role in providing pain relief in labour. This practice was thought to be influential in producing a high spontaneous delivery rate. With specialised training and clinical integration the benefits of an epidural analgesic service can safely be provided by obstetricians in a small maternity hospital. IntroductionIf properly managed extradural block provides obstetric analgesia second to none in efficiency, and the provision of an

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