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CYTOLOGY CLINICS
The first Cytology Clinic was opened in Dagenham in 1964. This was a small
pilot scheme and was started in conjunction with Dr. Atkinson, the pathologist at
Oldchurch Hospital. The scheme proved to be very successful and consequently it
was decided to enlarge the scope of our efforts, establishing a regular session
in Dagenham and one in Barking.
We have had a very good response from the public and have made every effort
to contact those women who are specially considered to be at risk. Unfortunately
the number of smears taken is still limited by the lack of laboratory facilities.
115 smears were taken during the year, but it is hoped that it will prove
possible to take an increased number of smears next year.
Records of each patient are kept, and their local doctor is fully informed.
Prom the outset we decided that we would use specially trained nurses to do
the actual smear-taking but have so arranged the session that it runs concurrently
with the ante-natal clinic; this means that there is always a doctor
present to supervise the running of the session and to give help or advice if
needed.
I would like to thank Dr. Atkinson for his help and advice, and particularly
for allowing his technician to come and demonstrate the technique of smeartaking
and slide-making.
Our Cytology Clinic in the western area of Barking was commenced towards
the end of October on a very modest scale - six patients a week on account of
staff difficulties. We deliberately did not advertise the clinic because of our
limited capacity. During the period from the 23rd October to the end of December
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