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127
VII.— SPECIAL CLINICS FOR WOMEN.
In my report for 1935 I outlined the steps which led to the institution of two special
clinics for women, and I gave some details regarding the results of the functioning
of these two clinics during the first six months of their existence. It was pointed
out that the medical clinic was not intended to serve as an institution for the treatment
of patients; in the writer's view the function of the clinic would be mainly
diagnostic, and special arrangements were made for the transfer to other institutions
of patients who required treatment.
The inauguration of these two clinics aroused much interest and the results
indicate that they are both fulfilling a necessary service. The work of the clinics
is growing steadily and at the time of writing arrangements have been made to hold
an additional evening session at each clinic. The specialist staff of the clinics remains
unchanged. The Council is fortunate to be able to retain the services of Dr. Janet K.
Aitken, M.D., M.R.C.P., as physician, and of Dr. Gladys Hill, M.A., M.D., B.S.,
M.C.O.G., F.R.C.S., as gynaecologist. For reference purposes the scope of the work
carried out at the clinics and the method of administration are again described in this
section, and any changes which were effected during the year are embodied in the
following account.
Scope of the work carried out at the clinics.
General Medical Clinic.—Women suffering from any complaint of a medical
nature may attend this clinic, but they are strongly advised to bring with them a
report from their private practitioner or from the doctor at some other clinic. In
actual fact the majority of the patients do bring such references. It was thought
that this clinic would be specially useful in the difficult work of differentiating between
functional and organic conditions, and this expectation has been realised. As a
general rule continued treatment is not carried out. Many women do receive courses
of a comparatively small number of stock drugs, but in most cases this therapy can
be regarded as mainly diagnostic. This clinic is held every Friday at 10 a.m.
Gynecological Clinic.—At the gynaecological clinic birth regulation cases and
gynaecological cases are dealt with at the same session. In the case of all patients
who request birth-control information a complete gynaecological examination is
performed, and any necessary minor treatment is carried out. Patients who request
birth-control information are also recommended to attend at the medical clinic
for examination, and a large proportion of them have a general medical examination.
Minor conditions which are treated at the clinic include erosions, prolapse, and other