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24
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE
Peter A. Currie, m.r.c.s., l.r.c.p., Senior Medical Officer.
Following the re-organisation of the London Boroughs and its
associated upheaval we should, as a section, be particularly well
qualified to deal with "teething troubles". However, it would be
remiss to suggest that these have been overcome single-handedly
and our gratitude is extended to the staff of the County Medical
Officer of Health for their help.
I remarked in my first report that every endeavour would be
made to continue the high level of immunity from the undermentioned
infectious diseases, and I am pleased to submit the
following figures issued by the Ministry of Health which are selfexplanatory.

It must be pointed out that these figures will be hard to improve
upon, but it remains our ambition to achieve protection of 100%
of our children.
The pilot scheme for the early detection of cervical carcinoma
has been fully developed. The initial response was encouraging but
has declined and the number of women still at risk remains disappointingly
very great. However, local organisations are co-operating
most enthusiastically in helping to staff the clinics, providing a
newly designed poster and seizing every opportunity of encouraging
women to attend for examination.
Following the receipt of Circular 7/66 of the Ministry of Health,
discussions have taken place with the local Hospital Management
Committee to appoint the Assistant Medical Officers as medical
officers in a liaison capacity for the continuing care of handicapped
children and in that capacity to attend clinics where children are
seen in the hospitals of the group and to visit patients on the ward
by arrangement with the Paediatrician or other Consultants.
Consistent with this policy the Health and Welfare Committee
is considering the appointment of an Assistant Medical Officer to
act in a liaison capacity with particular responsibility for the deaf
child.
Active consideration is being given to the formulation of a
comprehensive "at risk" register, and subsequent progress will be
reported.