CESAREAN-SECTION RATE REDUCED

The Caesarean section rate in consecutive years was decreased from 20. 5% to 11.1% of total public deliveries (p<0.0001). On retrospective an alysis the emergency Caesarean section rate decreased from 10.9% to 6. 0% (p<0.0001) and elective Caesarean section rate from 9.6% to 5.1% (p <0.0001) in consecutive years. Interventions which have accounted for the decrease were 3-fold. Firstly, vaginal birth after Caesarean deliv ery was encouraged, secondly, the active management of labour and thir dly, extensive, regular peer review were introduced as unit policy. Th e decrease in the Caesarean section rate was not achieved at the expen se of the fetus as judged by perinatal mortality rates and 5-minute Ap gar scores of less than 7.