The midwife obstetric unit.

The urgent need for an alternative to domiciliary delivery in Cape Town has been met by the development of midwife obstetric units (MOUs). These units are situated in suburbs with a high population density. They are staffed entirely by midwives and are linked by telephone to the base hospital. A flying squad service is available at the regional centre (the maternity block at Groote Schuur Hospital). Regular visits are made to the units by the medical staff. Strict criteria for delivery at the MOUs have resulted in a very low perinatal mortality rate, and the units have at the same time relieved the serious overcrowding in the teaching hospitals. The concept of the MOU is particularly suited to Africa and indeed to any developing country.