Standing Conference of Associations Within Community Medicine

Between 1973-1975 the Society felt increasing concern about their role, representation and future. This was largely caused by NHS reorganisation, abolition of the office of MOH and the consequent formation of several independent groups representing community medicine, e.g. the Associations of Area Medical Officers, District Community Physicians, and Specialists in Community Medicine (Child Health) and the National Association of Community Physicians (Social Services); the establishment of the Faculty of Community Medicine of the Royal Colleges in 1972; and BMA reorganisation which reduced the Society's representation on its community medicine committee. The Society feared fragmentation of the profession and discipline, and the potential loss of members.

At an informal meeting in Dec 1973 representatives of the Society and Faculty discussed their respective roles and activities and in Jan 1974 the Society met representatives from the BMA Public Health Committee to ascertain the BMA's attitude to the Society and discuss future relations. (See D.5/9/2). In early 1975 the Society decided to take the initiative in establishing harmonious and fruitful links with the newly formed associations and to act as a forum for community medicine. A meeting of the Society's Committee of Chairmen with representatives of the AAMO, ADCP and Regional MOs was convened on 16 May 1975. The Society proposed a scheme of Federation. The meetings which followed, from Oct 1976-Jan 1979 became known as the Standing Conference of Associations Within Community Medicine.

1974-1980

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