London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hammersmith 1966

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]

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If necessary the doctor wrote to general practitioners, hospital consultants or other
persons about individual student's needs. In general, students were seen by appointment
and ample time was given for full discussion detween doctor and student. The consultation
was private.
The commonest difficulties, so far, have been in arranging interviews for students at
times convenient for them which did not conflict with lectures. This has been overcome
by arranging occasional evening sessions, or changing days, or times of day-time sessions,
as necessary. The high proportion of overseas students — Greek, Italian, Arabian,
French, and others — has been noticeable and has presented problems at times.
The Commonest Complaints.
1. Anxieties.
a) Associated with parents or boy friends.
b) Travelling — many students travel long distances and are tired.
c) Living accommodation — many students live in "Digs", and do their own cooking,
which is often very inadequate.
2. Indigestion.
3. Dysmenorrhoea and other gynaecological problems.
4. Insomnia.
The sessions have proved to be interesting both for doctor and for students, who were
found to be relaxed and ready to discuss their problems. It was clear that some students
required help both from physical and psychiatric aspects.
It is hoped that in the second year of the scheme progress will be made in ensuring that
every student is interviewed.

The following is a statistical summary of the work carried out during 1966 (from 21st October, 1966, only).

Total No. of Sessions12
Clerical sessions —4
Consultation sessions —8
No. of Students medically examined7
No. of Students advised35
Referred to Chest X-Ray4
Referred to hospitalNIL
Referred to General Practitioner14
Referred to Dentist2
Referred to Optician8
Other action.
Certificates of fitness to work with children at Guy's Hospital 3

(69)