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24
VENEREAL DISEASE
In 1972 there was an overall increase in the number of cases of venereal disease notified to the
department. The continued popularity of oral contraceptives must in some measure be a contributing factor in
this increase. There was however a small though welcome drop in the number of gonorrhoea cases notified.
There is an urgent need, especially among the young, to increase both the amount of availability of
all forms of health education in order to reach all groups of vulnerable young people.
The tracing of contacts remains a vital part of the work in preventing the spread of venereal diseases.
In February 1972 as a result of a Department of Health and Social Security recommendation, a State Registered
Nurse was appointed as Contact Tracer in the Borough. She worked closely with the special clinic staff
at Central Middlesex Hospital, interviewing patients and undertaking follow-up visits. Unfortunately in
September she left the Borough and despite repeated advertising the post remained vacant at the end of the
year.