We conducted a survey to determine the status of obstetric epidural analgesia services in Hong Kong's public hospitals and describe an example of a 24-hour service at the Prince of Wales Hospital, with a review of 695 anaesthetic records of parturients who received epidural analgesia during the period from 1st July 1995 to 31st June 1996. Nine hospitals provide epidural analgesia for labour pain but only four have a 24-hour service. The epidural analgesia rate at the Prince of Wales Hospital was 12%, consistent with the median rate of 10% in Hong Kong. The incidence of adverse effects of this method at our institution was similar to figures reported in the literature. Our review also suggested that epidural analgesia for labour pain is well accepted by local women. Inadequate funding and manpower resouces appear to be limiting the implementation of after-hour services in Hong Kong hospitals. Cultural and racial factors, lack of public awareness and education may also contribute to the low epidural analgesia rate in Hong Kong.