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31
National Cervical Cytology Recall Scheme
Following the previous arrangements for population screening for
the prevention of cancer of the cervix, it has been decided to commence
a recall scheme for the re-examination of women whose test five years
previously had proved negative. This was due to commence in January,
1972, and from this time and at weekly intervals thereafter, the National
Health Service Central Register at Southport will refer to the Executive
Councils original request/recall forms for respective women over the
age of 35 years in their area. After verification of latest address and
doctor, the forms will then be passed to the Local Health Authority for
recall arrangements to be made.
FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE
Attendances at Family Planning clinics run by the Health Department
and the Family Planning Association continue to show a steady increase
over the last year: Attendances at Council clinics totalled 6,557 and
at Family Planning Association Clinics 6,854. The combined total of
attendances was 1,176 more than in 1970.
The Health Department held 8½ weekly sessions and the Family Planning
Association held 9½ weekly sessions. All except 2, which were held
in Hackney Hospital, were held in Council clincs.
The Young People's Advisory clinic at the Richmond Road Centre
continues to give support and to supply a much needed service to the
young people of the Borough. There has been a decrease in the number of
special cases with problems and the alternate Tuesday evening session
is now run as an ordinary session.
During the year, 95 residents of the Borough in the younger age
groups attended the Brook Advisory Centres in central London, the
Council having previously agreed to pay the fees.
The Council approved the introduction of a male sterilisation
(vasectomy) scheme in 1970 and the National Health Service (Family
Planning) Amendment Bill to authorise local authorities to provide
vasectomy services on the same basis as contraception services was
before Parliament during the year. Local M. Ps. were urged to give
support to the Bill.
The domiciliary visiting scheme run by the Family Planning Association
as the Council's agent continued during 1971. Analysis of the
results of providing this service show that there is a reduction in the
number of pregnancies among women in the categories most requiring it.
Up to 30th April, the number of domiciliary referrals was very low,
only 4. However, it was felt that other services such as the Social
Services Department, Hospital Obstetricians and General Practitioners
were not fully aware of the existence of the service and a reminder was
sent to them. At the same time it was decided that the categories