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In addition to the ripple beds, a ripple chair pad is now available
to those patients who are able to leave their beds. Since, however,
the majority of cases using ripple beds are bedridden, the demand for
chair pads is very small. Three such loans were made in 1972.
Sick Room Equipment
There are three Medical Loan Depots, one each in Merton,
Mitcham and Wimbledon. Loans of medical equipment are made to
residents in the Borough on request from the family doctor or from
a home nurse. Owing to the heavy demand loans are reviewed every
three months.
The depots are staffed on a voluntary basis by members of the
British Red Cross Society to whom thanks are due for the maintenance
of a most essential service.

Recuperative Holidays
Under Section 22 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, the
Authority is empowered to provide a recuperative holiday for expectant
and nursing mothers needing it to complete or assist in their
recovery to normal health, but who do not need organised medical or
nursing care. Recommendation from a Departmental Medical Officer
is necessary. No holidays were arranged in 1972.
Cervical Cytology
It is necessary from time to time to have a campaign to ensure
that all women are aware of the facilities. It is particularly necessary
to endeavour to deal with women in the lower income groups, where
the prevalence of cervical cancer may be higher.
A press campaign was launched in the latter part of the year and
women were invited to attend normal daytime sessions or special
evening sessions which were held for a period. The response to evening
appointments was not so great as was anticipated and in ten
special evening sessions it was possible to deal with all who had requested
an evening appointment.
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