London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Croydon 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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85
FAMILY PLANNING
The assistance given to the Croydon Family Planning Association of a
financial grant and free facilities at Corporation clinics was continued. In
addition the Corporation agreed to extend the definition of medical need to
include a free service for "any woman whose general health would be
caused to suffer by reason of the increased mental, physical or social
burden placed upon her by by a pregnancy." An initial survey by Health
Visitors suggested that some 50 cases a month would be forthcoming. The
extended service was introduced in October, and against the estimated
figure of 150, only 23 cases came forward during the final quarter of the year.
Domiciliary Family Planning by Specialist Midwife
Patients referred to this service have usually had two or more children
in quick succession and it is surprising therefore to find that three patients
were under 18 years of age.
Language difficulties were overcome by various means; a pupil midwife
acting as interpreter with one Chinese family where neither husband nor
wife could speak English.
The midwife makes many ineffectual visits and consideration is being given to methods by which these can be reduced.
| 1970 April 1st - | December 31st 1969 | |
|---|---|---|
| New Patients seen | 68 | 28 |
| Number of visits | 479 | 159 |
| Patients prescribed the "Pill" | 18 | 4 |
| Patients fitted with I.U.D. | 26 | 14 |
| Patients fitted with cap | 3 | |
| Patients using other methods | 3 | |
| Patients had hysterectomy | 1 | |
| Patients already pregnant | 4 | 3 |
| Patients refused or changed their minds | 7 | 4 |
| Vasectomy | 1 | |
| 18 or under = 3 |