View report page

43
when it is borne in mind that in those countries where venereal diseases are compulsorily
notifiable, the ratio of attendances to new cases has never been greater
than the figures which are shown for London under the voluntary system adopted
in this country. Comparative figures for the seven years the scheme has been
in force are shown in the following table:—
New cases.
Year.Total. Attendances.
Venereal. Non-venereal.
1917 13,025 2,360 15,385 120,659
1918 13,679 2,693 16,372 169,485
1919 23,147 5,118 28,265 307,722
1920 24,454 6,592 31,046 464,033
1921 19,368 6,050 25,418 496,209
1922 17,763 5,950 23,713 529,003
1923 19,006 6,644 25.650 555,509
Attention is also drawn to the very large number of non-venereal patients who
present themselves for examination. This appears to indicate quite clearly that
the general public is appreciating more and more the efforts which have been, and
are being, made to spread far and wide a knowledge of the serious nature and grave
after effects of the venereal diseases.
Another point worthy of note is the total number of examinations made of
pathological specimens. Comparative figures for the seven years are shown in
the following table.
Pathological examinations.
Year. For treatment centres. For private practitioners.
1917 13,988 3,649
1918 25,973 6,380
1919 51,554 10,464
1920 58,920 14,027
1921 66,134 18,472
1922 74,022 19,836
1923 69,784 24,403
Thp inrreased use made bv medical practitioners of the facilities for the
examination of pathological specimens is highly satisfactory.
The Committee appointed in 1922 by the Minister of Health (Lord Trevethin
as Chairman) to consider and report upon the best medical measures for preventing
venereal disease in the civil community having regard to administrative practicability,
including cost, issued their report during 1923.
The report, which was unanimously signed, stated that success of medical
measures for combating venereal disease must largely depend upon the attitude of
the community, whose intelligent co-operation can only be secured by widespread
education in the matter.
The chief recommendations were as follows:—
(а) That knowledge as to the nature and consequences of venereal disease
should be extended amongst the community.
(b) That steps should be taken to diminish conditions conducive to
promiscuous intercourse and the spread of disease.
(c) That the law should be altered so that properly qualified chemists
may sell ad hoc disinfectants and directions for their use, provided these are
approved by a competent authority such as the Medical Research Council.
(d) That speaking broadly general practitioners require an improvement
in medical education in its most advanced aspects to enable them successfully
to deal with venereal diseases.
(e) That the existing clinics are of great value and the system should in
every way be encouraged and improved.
Trevethin
Committee
Report.