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Follow-up has been arranged in this way on 85 babies.
Of the children who have moved abroad, information has
been received from the mothers of 6 of the babies. The
interest and co-operation of the borough staff has continued
to be excellent, particularly the midwives and health visitors
who have had a considerable amount of extra work as the
result of this project.
Phenylketonuria
Screening for phenylketonuria is undertaken by the Guthrie
blood test and is normally conducted by midwives in
hospital or domiciliary practice during the first 14 days of a
baby's life, or it may be done by health visitors. No positive
reactions were obtained.
Family Planning
Since 1st January 1969 the council has provided free advice
on family planning to borough residents, married or
unmarried. Free supplies are available for those in medical
or social need.
The Family Planning Association acting as agents for the
borough council operate sessions at seven clinics within the
borough of which one, with permission of the hospital
authority is held at the West Middlesex Hospital. Further
expansion occurred during the year and 22 sessions were
being conducted each week at the end of the year. In June
it was possible to open a new clinic in Chiswick and also to
introduce a central telephone and appointments service
staffed by the Family Planning Association. This is a great
convenience to the public and lessens pressure on lay staff
during clinic sessions.
In co-operation with the Family Planning Association a
free domiciliary service operates in the borough for women
who for a variety of reasons are unable or unwilling to
attend clinics and for whom family planning seems
particularly important. Fifty-three cases were attended.
Hospital staff, family doctors, social workers and our own
medical and nursing staff are aware of the service so that
they can refer appropriate cases.