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
Kensington and Chelsea 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
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WELFARE OF THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED.
There has been an increase in the number of applications for
registration as blind or partially sighted under the provisions of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, and it has been necessary to obtain the
services of a second consultant ophthalmologist for additional medical
examination sessions.
Details of examinations and findings are as follows:-
| 1966 | 1965 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of examinations by Council's | ||
| ophthalmologist | 126 | 74 |
| Number of hospital certificates accepted | 44 | 38 |
| Number of new cases registered blind | 66 | 40 |
| Number of new cases registered partially sighted | 39 | 20 |
| Re-examinations - | ||
| Number previously registered blind and now found to be partially sighted | 2 | - |
| Number previously registered partially sighted and now found to be blind | 14 | 13 |
| Number previously registered blind or partially sighted and now found to be not registerable | 1 | 2 |
| Number examined and no change found in category | 45 | 34 |
CERVICAL CYTOLOGY.
Following negotiations between this department and the Consultant
Pathologist at St. Stephen's Hospital, clinics for the early diagnosis
of cancer of the neck of the womb were opened early in February, 1966,
at the Campden Hill and South Kensington centres, one session being held
every two weeks at each centre.
In June, 1966, in co-operation with the Department of Pathology at
Paddington General Hospital, cytology sessions commenced also at
St. Quintin welfare centre. Clinics were held every four weeks at first,
but later, when further laboratory facilities became available, every two
weeks.
All women are seen by appointment and the service is restricted at present to women over the age of thirty years.
| Total number of sessions held | 54 |
| Total number of women examined | 433 |
| Total number of negative results | 375 |
| Total number of positive results | 6 |
| Results awaited at 31.12.l966 | 52 |
The finding of a positive result is reported immediately by the
laboratory to the clinic medical officer who then takes steps to see
that the general practitioner of the woman concerned is notified as
quickly as possible.
All of the six cases reported as positive during 1966 were referred
to hospitals for further investigation and treatment.
NURSING HOMES.
Registered nursing homes within the borough were inspected by a