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35
New cases, both venereal and non-venereal, are more numerous than in 1932.
It has, however, already been explained that female cases of gonorrhoea account
for most of the increase in the former. The increasing number of non-venereal
patients who present themselves for examination indicates that the general public
is appreciating more and more the efforts which have been, and are being, made to
spread far and wide a knowledge of the serious nature and grave after-effects of the
venereal diseases.
The increased attendances show that patients are willing to take advantage of
the improved facilities for intermediate treatment now available.
Pathology
and
bacteriology.

The increased number of specimens examined from the treatment centres is
due partly to the increasing use of other tests for syphilis in addition to the Wassermann
test (e.g., Kahn) and to the use of the complement fixation test for gonorrhoea.
The continued use made by medical practitioners of the facilities for the
examination of pathological specimens is highly satisfactory.
Under the scheme, medical practitioners who fulfil certain conditions are entitled
to free supplies of the approved arsenobenzene preparations for the treatment of
their private patients. The number of medical practitioners within the county
availing themselves of this service is now 520, compared with 108 at the end of
1917, the first year of the operation of the scheme.
From the outset the necessity was recognised for accommodation where young
women under treatment could be lodged during the period of infectivity,
and where various interests and occupations could be provided. Certain
hostels managed by or independently of hospitals have received grants in aid for
this purpose, and experience has proved the value of these hostels for the more
efficient treatment of certain cases and for preventing the spread of disease. During
the year 1933, the number of patients dealt with at these institutions from the
areas in the scheme was 230, the aggregate number of days in residence being 25,891.
Comparative figures for 1932 were 240 and 26,416
Venereal
disease;
hostel
accommodation.
The hostels undertaking work in connection with the scheme for the year 1933,
were as follows:—
20-22, Highbury-quadrant, N. (Royal Free Hostels Committee); 148, Lambethroad,
S.E. (St. Thomas's hospital); 80, Stockwell-park-road, S.W. (Southwark
Diocesan Association for Preventive and Rescue Work); 35, Parkhurst-road, N.
(West London Mission); 62, Regent's-par k-road, N.W. (Royal Free Hostels Committee)
; Salvation Army Hostels, 122-124 and 126-128, Lower Clapton-road, E.
The desirability of maintaining treatment and observation of girls and women
for whom residence in hostels has been provided during the acute stages of venereal
disease, engaged the attention of the Public Health Committee of the Council during
the year 1928. As a result, arrangements were made with the authorities of certain
rescue homes providing vocational training in domestic and other work, to receive up
to eleven young women and girls who, although requiring continued treatment and
observation, had been certified by the medical officer of a clinic as fit to reside in an
institution without danger to other residents. These arrangements were completed
in the autumn of 1928. but have not, been utilised to the extent anticioated desDite
Rescue
homes.