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
Greenwich 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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any woman who has been confined within the previous 12 weeks,
are invited to attend our cervical cytology clinics with arrangements
for recall in 3 years.
There are indications that cervical cytology investigations are
being refused through fear. In a Group Practice survey recently,
430 women in the age category 35/39 were canvassed but only
56% eventually consented (12% after a second letter). Over 50%
of refusals were for the following reasons—"can't find time",
"fear of smear proving positive" and a number of flat "refusals".
Resistance proved higher in unmarried and in the lower social
groupings.
Numbers taking advantage of the Council's services during the current year decreased by 42.9% to a total of 1,055 and the following statistics indicate the work carried out at the various clinics:—
| Clinics | No. of Smears Taken | |
|---|---|---|
| Rustall Lodge | 303 | |
| Shooters Hill Road | 156 | |
| Burney Street | 105 | |
| Plumstead High Street | 132 | |
| Market Street | 218 | |
| Local Firms | 141 | |
| Total at 31/12/71 | 1,055 | |
| Under 25 years | 29 | |
| 25—35 years | 315 | |
| 35—45 years | 338 | |
| 45—55 years | 297 | |
| Over 55 years | 76 | |
| Total | 1,055 | |
| No. with no Children | 168 | |
| No. with 1 Child | 203 | |
| No. with 2 Children | 375 | |
| No. with 3 Children | 176 | |
| No. with 4 Children | 83 | |
| No. with over 4 Children | 50 | |
| Total | 1,055 | |