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49
CERVICAL CYTOLOGY
5,482 cervical cytology reports were received in respect
of Kingston residents during 1972. In January of that year a five
year recall system was instituted and recall letters were sent to
321 borough residents, with the following results:
92 appointments were made
118 recall letters remained unanswered
94 had had cytology tests during the past five years
11 did not require appointments because they had
had hysterectomies
6 letters were returned, marked "address not known"
LOAN OF NURSING EQUIPMENT
The Kingston and Surbiton Divisions of the British Red
Cross Society operate a scheme for the loan of nursing equipment on
behalf of the borough council. The scheme is intended to facilitate
simple short tern nursing care in the patients' homes, and under the
arrangement deposits are collected from patients by the British Bed
Cross Society and refunded to them when the equipment is returned.
Altogether, 629 loans of nursing equipment were made during the year.
The borough oouncil makes a grant to the British Red Cross
for this service. The St.John Ambulance Association also has two
centres in the borough from which small items of equipment are loaned
on request. This body does not receive a Council grant.
CHIROPODY
The chiropody service assists elderly persons, expectant
mothers and the permanently handicapped.
There are two schemes in operation. Under the direct
scheme patients receive treatment from the "approved" chiropodist
of their choice in his own surgery. As at 30 September 1972, 25
chiropodists were approved. A patient can be treated at home by
the chiropodist if certified unable to attend the surgery by the
family doctor. The indirect scheme is operated by the local Old
People's Welfare Committees on behalf of the Council.
The following is a summary of the service provided: