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
Merton 1968
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton]
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From 1st January, 1968, the South-West London Branch of the
Family Planning Association operated, as agents of the Local Health
Authority, a Family Planning Service providing free advice, treatment
and supplies to all medical cases and free examination and advice to
all married social cases. In social cases a charge is made for supplies
unless the patient's financial circumstances are such that hardship
would be caused, in which case supplies are made available free, or at
a reduced charge. A simple form of assessment is used.
The use of clinic premises by the South-West London Branch is
made available free of cost by the Authority.
Details are given below of the numbers and types of case dealt with during the year:—
| New Patients:— | |
| Number Medical | 521 |
| Social | 793 |
| Total | 1,314 |
| Age Under 16 | 1 |
| 16 to 20 | 134 |
| 21+ | 1,179 |
| Advice IUD | 265 |
| Other | 1,099 |
| Established patients (including transfers):— | |
| Medical | 156 |
| Social | 577 |
| Total | 732 |
| Supplies for Social Hardship cases:— | |
| Paying part cost | Nil |
| Free | 17 |
| Cytological Smears:— | |
| Number taken | 1,256 |
| Referred for Investigation | 3 |
| Out of Borough patients | 70 |
| Total Attendances to see the Doctor | 6,944 |
| Number of Doctor Sessions | 398 |