§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the reason for the cuts in the community health services in Wandsworth; why family planning clinics have been closed; why restrictions have been introduced at the remaining clinics; and what is the position concerning the number of conceptions terminated.
§ Baroness HooperChanges in the community health services, including the level of family planning clinics provision, in Wandsworth were part of a total programme of changes agreed by the district health authority in April 1990 after a three-month public consultation period.
One family planning clinic which had been closed was subsequently reopened. An appointment system was introduced which improved the efficiency of the clinic as well as making it more convenient for those attending.
It has to be recognised that the pattern of NHS family planning provision is developing and changing. Although family doctors only became involved sixteen years ago, 98 per cent. of them now provide contraceptive services; and two-thirds of the 4 million people who make use of NHS family planning services in England each year see a family doctor.
One thousand, six hundred and fifty two terminations of pregnancy were performed in 1989 on residents of Wandsworth District Health Authority. Figures for 1990 are not yet available.