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46
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 a knowledge of the serious
nature and grave after.effects of the venereal diseases.
Pathology
and
bacteriology

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 543, compared with 108 at the end of
1917, the first year of the operation of the scheme.
Venereal
disease ;
hostel
accommoda
tion.
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 1935, the number of patients dealt with at these institutions from the
areas in the scheme was 266, the aggregate number of days in residence being 28,727.
Comparative figures for 1934 were 269 and 28,582.
The hostels undertaking work in connection with the scheme for the year 1935,
were as follows:—
20.22, Highbury.quadrant, N. (Royal Free Hostels Committee); 148, Lambeth.
road, 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.park.road, N.W. (Royal Free Hostels Committee)
; Salvation Army Hostels, 122.124 and 126.128, Lower Clapton.road, E.
The premises, 80, Stockwell Park.road, were discontinued as a V.D. hostel on
31st October, 1935.
Rescue
homes.
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 anticipated despite
several circulars to V.D. clinics and hostels. During the year 1935 only one girl
availed herself of these facilities. The total number of days in residence was 173.
The
London
County
Council
(Whitechape
clinic.
On 1st July, 1930, tne Venereal Diseases clinic at the London hospital, one
of the institutions in the London and Home Counties Scheme, was taken over by
the Council as an all.day clinic, and is now known as the London County Council
(Whitechapel) clinic. The premises are rented from the London hospital, but the