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25
The leaflets were distributed mainly through the Public
Libraries, a copy being inserted in each book issued.
"Better Health" is a booklet published monthly and distributed
chiefly through the Welfare Centres and Tuberculosis
Dispensary, containing, amongst other articles of Public Health
interest, information as to the importance of seeking early
medical advice re tumours, warts, cancer, etc., thus drawing
attention to the Clinic.
The leaflets and booklets have proved the most valuable aid
in bringing patients to the Clinic., and there is evidence showing
that this method of propaganda is inducing patients to seek early
advice, not only at our own Clinic, but at the local Hospitals
as well.
The procedure adopted at the Clinic is as follows:—The
preliminary examination is made by one of the Council's
Medical Officers. If the condition complained of is definitely
non-malignant the patient is so informed and referred to his own
medical attendant. If, on the other hand, the condition is
malignant or suspected to be so, then a consultation is arranged
to take place at the private residence of the Council's Consultant
(Mr. Davies Colley), and for this consultation a fee of
two guineas is payable by the Council. During the year, nine
cases were thus referred. The Consultant reports his diagnosis
to the Medical Officer of Health, who in turn informs the general
practitioner if the patient has been sent by such, or the patient
himself should he have applied to the Clinic independently.
In cases referred to the Consultant, if the condition complained
of proves malignant, every endeavour is made to obtain admission
to Hospital or to secure other appropriate treatment, whilst
suspicious cases are kept under observation. So far this procedure
has worked very satisfactorily, but it should be mentioned
that if in the future the Clinic should become "popular,"
arrangements are in force for the personal attendance of the
Consultant himself at the Clinic, thereby saving the patient a
journey to town.
Of the 31 patients who attended during 1928, seven gave
a history of cancer in a member of the family, all on the
female side.