London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hillingdon 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]
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We are concerned that many of the women who fall into a risk category do not present themselves
for screening and in order to give the service greater publicity, arrangements were made for
the mobile unit of the Women's National Cancer Control Campaign to attend the Borough Show
during the summer. No screening was undertaken but photos taken in local sessions were displayed
and there was a considerable quantity of literature available including request cards for appointments.
The amount of interest shown however was extremely disappointing.
In addition 163 women were referred to their family doctors for further advice about conditions of varying severity.
| Elers Road | Laurel Lodge | Minet | North -wood | Ruislip | Yiewsley | Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of women seen | 308 | 873 | 335 | 297 | 329 | 141 | 36 |
| "At risk" | 47% | 31% | 37% | 19% | 21% | 50% | 19% |
| Healthy | 160 | 376 | 215 | 196 | 277 | 84 | 26 |
| Abnormalities found: | |||||||
| Pelvic: Malignancy | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Cervical | 44 | 323 | 24 | 16 | 21 | 18 | 2 |
| Infection | 43 | 151 | 23 | 17 | 13 | 18 | 2 |
| Fibroids | 16 | 34 | 18 | 16 | 2 | 9 | 2 |
| Ovarian | 5 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Prolapse | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | |||
| Other | 19 | 15 | 17 | 27 | 6 | 14 | |
| Breasts | 10 | 41 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Hypertension | 7 | 18 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Urine | 8 | 14 | |||||
| Referred to G.P. | 23 | 87 | 17 | 16 | 5 | 14 | 1 |
| Previous cytology | 187 | 587 | 130 | 147 | 115 | 50 | 22 |
CHIROPODY
The difficulties forecast in the report for 1971 unfortunately became realities and the demand
for chiropody services has far outstripped the ability to satisfy it. By the end of the year the average
waiting time for a first appointment was over 12 weeks and that between appointments 16-18
weeks.
The situation was not improved by the death of two chiropodists who had given good sessional
service to the department for many years.
The staffing position was reviewed and a structure for full-time area and sector chiropodists
was agreed, but it was not until the end of the year that it was possible to make the first appointment
of area chiropodist. In addition to clinical and supervisory duties, it is envisaged that this officer will
be responsible for some health education in schools and clubs for the elderly. He will also participate
in the training of community nurses and welfare home attendants. This should improve the standard
of foot care in the Borough and help to prevent some of the crippling disabilities which come with
increasing age.
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