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59
Positive smears were found in nine women whose ages ranged between 24 and 50 years, and all
were referred promptly for further investigation and treatment. A total of 622 women were referred
to their family doctors regarding abnormalities discovered at clinical examination—mainly common
gynaecological complaints. This early referral of cases detected when the abnormality is relatively
slight often obviates longer and more complicated treatment at a later stage.
The generous assistance given to the department by Dr. Bate and his staff at the Samaritan
Hospital is once again gratefully acknowledged.
STAFF MEDICAL SERVICE
This service continues to be provided in the medical suite in the Health Department at City
Hall.
The number of applicants joining the staff during 1970 was slightly lower than in the previous
year, as was the number called for interview following scrutiny of medical questionnaires.
Two hundred physical examinations were carried out (more than double those done in 1969);
this was due to the fact that medical examinations of drivers for suitability for heavy goods vehicles
driving licences are carried out by the Council's medical officers as part of the staff medical service.
During the year there were 877 attendances at the medical suite for first aid or advice. Of these,
85 members of the staff were referred to their own general practitioner or to a hospital for further
attention.
The number of disabled persons examined on applying for exemption from parking meter charges
(141) remained about the same as in the previous year.
Statistics relating to work undertaken in the medical suite during 1970 are set out in Table 48,
page 88.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
Section 30 of the London Government Act 1963 places the responsibility of providing a school
health service upon the Inner London Education Authority, and the day to day operation of the
service in Westminster is my concern as Principal School Medical Officer. Arrangements were made
under provisions in the Act for the joint use by the City Council and the Authority of professional
and clerical staff and of premises. The following report to the Inner London Education Authority
was submitted in respect of the school health service for the year 1970:
In addition to the usual arrangements made for sessions in schools to cover health surveys,
medical inspections, re-inspections, special medical examinations, school journeys, audiology and
teacher training college medicals, attention is drawn to the following special features:
Educationally subnormal children
There are 7 medical officers approved to undertake the statutory examination of children reported
to be educationally subnormal. During the year, 84 children were examined and 60 of these were
found to be in need of special education as educationally subnormal.
School medical officers
Out of a total of 56 schools in Westminster, 5 are attended by local general practitioners, 16 by
sessional medical officers other than general practitioners, and 35 by whole time medical officers.
As far as possible full-time medical officers undertake examinations at both child welfare clinics and
local primary schools in the area thus providing continuity of medical care.
Handicapped children's register
A register is maintained of handicapped children attending both ordinary and special schools. A
careful follow up programme is undertaken for all such children.