Women’s clinics

Press, 19 December 1986, Page 20

Women’s clinics

Sir, —Predictably, Selwyn Carson (December 15) has given a detailed clinical and technological description of the medical services offered to women by his type of practice. Predictably, he has also missed the point that women would like more help in keeping healthy — more sharing of information and more reassurance — as well as the physical care he offers. Well-

women’s clinics are not as costly ■as traditional curing-oriented general practices,: and they are seen as complementary, rather than competitive. Would he consider finding out i from women what they need? Or is he afraid they may want more than his system is offering?—Yours, etc., DENISE ANKER. December 15, 1986. Sir, —The criticism of wellwomen’s clinics by local general practitioners is not unexpected. It highlights a limited and conservative perspective on health care. While general practice provides a clinical “package” it is clearly not providing primary health care for many people, simply obvious because, for whatever reason, they do not find it an appropriate or safe structure to participate in. It is time that all health professionals had the courage and the commitment to health care to ask the relevant questions. Instead of judging non-participants as being unmotivated and ignorant, we must examine the manner and the environment in which health care is delivered. If we are really concerned about health care we will stop being territorial about who provides what, and look to more relevant ways of delivering health care that will provide options that are safe for all women, men and children. — Yours, etc., VALERIE NORTON. December 15, 1986.