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39
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.
The increased attendances show that patients are willing to take advantage of
the improved facilities for intermediate treatment now available.
Another point worthy of note is the total number of examinations made of
pathological specimens. Comparative figures for the eighteen years are shown in
the following table:—
Pathology
and
bacteriology.
Year.
From treatment
centres.
From medical
practitioners.
Year.
From treatment
centres.
From medical
practitioners.
1917 13,988 3,649 1926 100,543 27,565
1918 25,973 6,380 1927 107,512 27,046
1919 51,554 10,464 1928 107,410 29,785
1920 58,920 14,027 1929 114,840 32,605
1921 66,134 18,472 1930 125,177 33,309
1922 74,022 19,836 1931 161,092 35,498
1923 69,784 24,403 1932 196,357 40,626
1924 79,005 24,797 1933 219,852 39,649
1925 106,064 26,346 1934 261,116 37,286
The increased number of specimens examined from the treatment centres is
due partly to the increasing use of other tests for syphilis in addition to the Wasser.
mann test (e.g., Kahn) and to the use of the complement fixation test for gonorrhoea.
The continued use made by medical practitioners of the facilities for the
examination of pathological specimens is highly satisfactory.
Under the scheme, medical practitioners who fulfil certain conditions are entitled
to free supplies of the approved arsenobenzene preparations for the treatment of
their private patients. The number of medical practitioners within the county
availing themselves of this service is now 526, compared with 108 at the end of
1917, the first year of the operation of the scheme.
From the outset the necessity was recognised for accommodation where young
women under treatment could be lodged during the period of infectivity,
and where various interests and occupations could be provided. Certain
hostels managed by, or independently of, hospitals have received grants in aid for
this purpose, and experience has proved the value of these hostels for the more
efficient treatment of certain cases and for preventing the spread of disease. During
the year 1934, the number of patients dealt with at these institutions from the
areas in the scheme was 269, the aggregate number of days in residence being 28,582.
Comparative figures for 1933 were 230 and 25,891.
Venereal
disease;
hostel
accommodation.
The hostels undertaking work in connection with the scheme for the year 1934,
were as follows:—
20.22, Highbury.quadrant, N. (Royal Free Hostels Committee); 148, Lambeth.
road, S.E. (St. Thomas's hospital); 80, Stockwell.park.road, S.W. (Southwark
Diocesan Association for Preventive and Rescue Work); 35, Parkhurst.road, N.
(West London Mission); 62, Regent's.paik.road, N.W. (Royal Free Hostels Committee);
Salvation Army Hostels, 122.124 and 126.128, Lower Clapton.road, E.
The desirability ot maintaining treatment and observation of girls and women
for whom residence in hostels has been provided during the acute stages of venereal
disease, engaged the attention of the Public Health Committee of the Council during
the year 1928. As a result, arrangements were made with the authorities of certain
rescue homes providing vocational training in domestic and other work, to receive up
to eleven young women and girls who, although requiring continued treatment and
observation, had been certified by the medical officer of a clinic as fit to reside in an
institution without danger to other residents. These arrangements were completed
in the autumn of 1928, but have not been utilised to the extent anticipated despite
several circulars to V.D. clinics and hostels. During the year 1934 only one girl
availed herself of these facilities. The total number of days in residence was 178.
Rescue
homes.
On 1st July, 1930, the Venereal Diseases clinic at the London hospital, one
of the institutions in the London and Home Counties Scheme, was taken over by
the Council as an all.day clinic, and is now known as the London County Council
(Whitechapel) clinic. It remains open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every week.day,
The
London
County
Counoil
(Whitechapel)
clinic.