View report page

39
Health visitors in the field did much to encourage mothers to attend the clinics
and every effort was made to persuade women, at risk, in Social Class IV and V
to attend for a smear test.
The statistics show that approximately one in every 150 smears examined
were positive. Seven percent of women examined had to attend for a repeat smear.
Many of these were found to be suffering from conditions such as trichonomas
vaginalis, monilia or cervictis. These cases were referred to the general practitioners
for treatment, and a repeat smear arranged after the conditions had been
successfully treated. A small percentage who had menopausal change readings
and whose smears showed some slight cell changes were recalled at the request
of the pathologist after intervals ranging from 1 to 12 months.
FAMILY PLANNING
The Health Committee considered very carefully the implementation in Lambeth
of the National Health Service (Family Planning) Act, 1967 which gives local
health authorities power to provide family planning advice to all who seek it, free
of charge. However, it was decided at this time not to extend the Council’s
existing arrangements which are restricted to cases of medical need, but to review
the matter in twelve months time.
The Council continued to allow the Family Planning Association the free use
of clinic premises in which to hold sessions and also made per capita payments
to the association in respect of married women referred for family planning advice
on medical grounds.
Two hundred and fifty six mothers needing advice on medical grounds were
referred to the Family Planning Association.
Discussions with the Family Planning Association have been authorised with
the aim of starting a domiciliary service in the borough for special cases.
OCCASIONAL CRECHES
These are provided at many welfare centres for the minding of small groups
of children from two to five years of age, whilst their mothers visit hospital,
attend to shopping or take part in the activities of the centre where the creche
is held.
Groups of ten to twenty children are admitted for periods of 2 to 3 hours.
The aim is to provide facilities for children to play with others when no other
opportunity is available and to provide some relief for mothers when no alternative
arrangement can be made.
The increased public awareness of the needs of the under 5 year olds and
their mothers had led to an increased demand for such facilities and a number of
new sessions commenced during the year. Where they are available they are of