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27
VENEREAL DISEASES
In 1963 the numbers of cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea
diminished. In 1964 the numbers of persons attending the Croydon
special clinic and resident in the Borough showed a 10% rise in
new cases of gonorrhoea and 65% rise in new cases of syphilis.
these percentages are based on relatively few cases e.g. the 65%
rise in new syphilis patients was due to 9 more on a previous
year's total of 14. It is nevertheless an adverse trend, and
while there can be little ignorance about how these infections
are acquired, our health education programmes do stress avoidance
and the importance of prompt and effective treatment. The
venereal diseases are included in general health lectures with
other communicable diseases, which individuals can by their own
actions prevent.
PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICE
Very considerable use has been made of the facilities for
bacteriological and other laboratory examinations of
Public Health nature. I take this opportunity to thank
Dr. W.R.G. Thomas, Consultant Bacteriologist, Mayday Hospital,
who took over this work on 10th February 1965, for his ready
assistance and most helpful advice, which have been available
at all times.
For detailed figures, see Appendix page 127.