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47
Cervical Cytology
The cervical cytology service has again steadily expanded during the
year and 16 clinics are now being run, each month, 12 of which are held
centrally at Caryl Thomas Clinic in Wealdstone.
The initial test is repeated one year later and again after a period of
three years. The cervical cytology clinics first commenced in Harrow
in 1967 so that the work load is increasing due to these repeat examinations
together with the new "first" tests. In June a second centre was
opened in the south of the Borough at the Northolt Road Clinic. The
consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Northwick
Park Hospital was interested to run the clinic and this has helped to give
a closer working link between the local district hospital and the community
services.
In addition to a smear test, an examination of the breasts, abdomen,
pelvis, urine and blood pressure is performed routinely on each individual.
1,687 patients were examined during the year, of which 716 were new
patients. 344 minor disorders were discovered and these patients were
referred to their own general practitioners. One positive case and one
highly suspicious case was discovered and referred to hospital through
the general practitioner.
In addition, smear tests are also done in the Borough on patients
attending the family planning clinics. All patients on the Pill and with an
I.U.D. are given a smear test and others are done on demand. The family
planning clinics performed 2,181 tests. There were no positive cases.
Facilities for smear tests continue to be made available for employees
of Messrs. Kodak and other industrial business concerns such as the
North Thames Gas Board. They were absorbed into the ordinary cervical
cytology sessions.
Loan of Nursing Equipment
The British Red Cross Society continued to operate the scheme for
the loan of nursing equipment. This equipment helps in the nursing of
patients in their own homes. A small hire charge is made but in cases
where the patient is unable to pay the hire charge, it is paid by the Borough.
Monies collected are used to purchase replacement equipment as required.
In addition additional equipment is purchased by the Borough to meet
requests for loan of articles on the approved list.
Number of articles loaned during the year .. 882
The Red Cross depot is at 39 Sheepcote Road, Harrow—Telephone
01-427 8788.