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Cervical Cytology
Since it was first demonstrated by Papanicolaou and Traut of the
United States in the 1940's that the examination of cells in vaginal
secretions could reveal unsuspected pre-cancerous conditions of the
uterine cervix, it has gradually come to be accepted that such an
examination should be available as a screening process for all women
in the age groups "at risk".
When "cervical screening" had been accepted in principle by the
Minister of Health who envisaged a service provided by general
practitioners and local authorities for women over 35, centres were
established for training laboratory technicians and Hospital Boards
were asked to consider the provision of laboratory services.
Prior to April, 1965, cervical screening in the London County
Council area was restricted to small experimental schemes and in this
area cervical smears were being taken only in hospital gynaecological
departments and clinics of the Fmaily Planning Association.
Shortly after this Council became responsible for the personal
health services, a cytological centre was established by the South
Western Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board at St. Stephen's Hospital
and the Consultant Cytologist intimated that he could accept a limited
number of cervical smears from Kensington and Chelsea Clinics in the
area served by the Board, i.e. that part of the borough south of
Holland Park Avenue. Negotiations between the hospital and the Council's
officers followed and the Council decided that clinics would be opened
at two centres. Ministerial approval for the scheme was given in
November 1965.
1966
Early in February 1966, cytology sessions began at South
Kensington and Holland Street Centres at fortnightly intervals. As the
laboratory could accept only 50 smears a month, the service was restricted
to women over 30 and, in order to regulate the demand in the early
stages, was offered only by health visitors and general practitioners
to women already known to them who were considered to be in the high
risk groups.
The opening of cytology clinics in the southern part of the
borough was followed by a demand for a similar service in the North
Kensington area and as soon as laboratory facilities were made available,
a screening clinic was opened at the St. Quintin Centre on 29th June.
The clinic was held monthly at first, but in December the laboratory
at the then Paddington General Hospital agreed to accept double the
number of smears and clinics were then held every fortnight to cater for
20 women a month.
Towards the end of 1966, the Royal Marsden Hospital, which was
already providing a screening service in "Well Woman" Clinics, suggested
that the Council should accept some financial responsibility for borough
residents. This was agreed by the Council and implemented early in 1967.
To sum up for 1966, cervical cytology was made available throughout
the borough on a limited scale; 54 sessions were held and 433 women
attended.