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At the end of 1967, the hospital laboratories concerned intimated their
willingness to deal with a substantially increased number of cervical
smears from this borough, and it was decided that, in an attempt to persuade
women, especially those in the more vulnerable groups, to come forward,
publicity should be intensified in a variety of ways. This publicity
campaign was, however, postponed until mid-January, 1968, when it could
be expected to be more effective than at the Christmas and "sales"
periods.
A simple leaflet explaining the test and giving details of the clinics
available in the borough was distributed to welfare centres, day nurseries,
information bureaux, community centres and women's organisations and
similar information was included in the pamphlet "Local Affairs" which
reaches all ratepayers, tenants of Council housing, and voluntary and other
organisations and interested persons in the borough.
Arrangements were also made for the distribution of the Council
leaflet to the individual tenants of a number of other large blocks of
flats where, because the tenants are not rated separately, the bulletin
"Local Affairs" is not delivered. This was continuing at the end of the
year.
Approaches were also made direct to commercial organisations,
including the large stores, inviting all women employees whether resident
in the borough or not, to attend the Council's clinics. It was also
suggested that, where suitable facilities were available, the Council's
medical and nursing staff could see women at their place of work, thus
reducing absence during working hours to a minimum.
The making of appointments was simplified and arrangements were made
to hold extra sessions at short notice, if necessary, and to hold evening
sessions as required for those unable to attend during the day.
The result of the publicity was seen in increased clinic attendances
during the second and subsequent quarters of the year, a total of 779
women being seen as against 390 in 1967.
One large store accepted the Council's offer to hold clinics at
their premises and, with the helpful co-operation of the store nursing
sister, three successful sessions were held and a total of fifty-six
women employees were seen.
Smaller organisations without medical facilities also requested the
service for their employees and arrangements were made for them to be
sent to the nearest Council clinic.
1967
1968
Total number of sessions held
68
87
Total number of women examined
390
779
Total number of negative results
388
774
Total number of positive results
2
5
Of the five positive results, four were referred to their own
general practitioners and they are known to have had further investigation
and treatment.
One case suspected as positive was of particular interest. A
woman applied for an appointment on 11th June, 1968, and as she asked
to be seen as soon as possible because she would be leaving the country
to live abroad at the end of the month, she was seen at the first
available clinic on 19th June, 1968.