Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – serie

This fascinating and beautifully illustrated book tells the story of childbearing since 1540, from an event so dangerous that many women made their wills before labour began to the high-tech deliveries of today. The book also reveals the battles which had to be fought with the surgeons, with the church and against public opinion to bring these advances about. The story is told against a background of significant social and historical events in the British Isles and, where relevant, abroad. The book also contains quotations from a variety of sources, some of which history has proved correct and others which have been proved lamentably wrong. Individuals of special importance and developments of particular significance are highlighted.

The DRCOG (Diploma) is an examination for doctors who wish to offer obstetrics, gynaecology and other aspects of women's health care in a primary care setting (GP surgeries, walk-in centres and family planning clinics). This book provides a comprehensive guide to the new style DRCOG examination which was introduced in October 2007. It includes: • an overview of the curriculum and syllabus • a guide to the format of the DRCOG examination • sample questions for each of the question formats: extended matching questions (EMQs), single best answer questions (SBAs) and multiple choice questions (MCQs) • six sample papers • answers to all of the sample questions and papers • tips for candidates.

This book helps all those working in maternity services to improve the quality of the care they offer. Improvement is driven by clinical effectiveness and increasing patient demands, and for each area of practice described this book outlines the service organisation needed to achieve this improvement. The goal is to help clinicians take responsibility for developing services that meet the needs of their patients as well as managing their individual medical conditions. The book demonstrates that much can be achieved within current resources and without major additional expense. Different approaches are demonstrated, but the key issue is the patient pathway. Trainees, clinicians, managers and commissioners of services will find this book of practical value. There should be a copy on the shelves of every hospital obstetric unit.