The availability of epidural anaesthesia and analgesia in obstetrics.

This survey analyses the provision of obstetric epidural services on national and regional bases and also by size of obstetric unit. Epidural anaesthesia and analgesia in obstetrics is not readily available to all women who wish for it, or in whom it is recommended on medical grounds, in spite of the recommendations of the Social Services Committee and other advisory bodies. Deficiencies in the provision of facilities are obvious but further analysis at a local level is required to determine the reasons and the remedies.