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58
Special Educational (Residential) Treatment.
There were 21 recommendations for Special Educational
Treatment in 1952—11 boys and 10 girls, 11 of primary school age
and 10 of secondary. 14 had been placed by the end of the year
and none of those placed had waited more than six months.
Vacancies were expected early in the new year for three others
who will also have been placed within six months of being recommended.
This is a great improvement on the situation in previous
years.
Staff.
We are glad to report that an increase in the clerical staff was
finally agreed to and to welcome Mrs. Burke, who was appointed
on 16th June, 1952.
Premises.
We learn with relief that new premises have been acquired in
Madeley Road for the Clinic, since shortage of space has seriously
limited the amount of work that could be done. Many patients
have made adverse criticisms of the appearance of our present
premises and we can only agree that they do nothing to inspire
confidence or encourage attendance.
Waiting List and Length of Time on Waiting List.
The apparent reduction of the number on the Waiting List
represents little, if any, real gain but merely a transfer from our
waiting list to that of the Educational Psychologists. Moreover,
in the course of 1952 more and more cases tended to be put forward
as urgent and to be given priority. Consequently, those who have
been waiting a long time waited longer still, though when they
finally were seen many were found to be severely ill and to have
suffered from the delay.

If a name has to remain on a waiting list for fifteen months
or more it is almost useless to place it there and if it has to remain
for more than six months, there is a 3 in 5 chance that it will be
withdrawn.