Global backing for new C-section system

A system devised by an Irish doctor that allows hospitals to easily and reliably compare caesarean-section rates and outcomes has been endorsed for worldwide use by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The need for such a system is against a background of rising rates of C-sections, which the WHO describes as “a major public-health concern”.

The classification system, devised by obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Michael Robson, former master of the National Maternity Hospital at Holles St, was selected ahead of 27 others, with the WHO describing it as “simple, robust, reproducible, and clinically relevant” and requiring minimal resources.