London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wimbledon 1926

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]

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scrapes, and bruises which could, and ought to be, treated at
home, are sent daily for dressing. It is difficult to know
whether these children actually are sent to the clinic by
parents or come on their own statement to escape school. The
teacher cannot undo the bandage to examine the urgency of
the case, and although the child is told not to return to the
Clinic many do. 1338 children attended the minor ailment
clinic in 1926. (v. Table IV., Group I.).
(c) Tonsil and Adenoid Cases:—57 children were operated
on, and 25 are awaiting operation. These cases are kept
under careful observation in many cases for 6 to 12 months
before operation is recommended.
(d) Tuberculosis Cases:—Close co-operation is maintained
with the Tuberculosis Officer in regard to children
suffering from, or suspected of, tuberculosis. Many children
attend both the Clinic and Tuberculosis Dispensary who are
merely "chesty," and teachers who know that such children
attend the Dispensary are apt to regard them all as Tuberculous.
Diagnosis can only be made in many cases after observation
over an extended period during which the weight
and general health are carefully recorded.

After special investigation, it can be definitely stated that the following table represents the numbers of school children suffering from tuberculosis.

Active.Arrested.
Lungs10
Bones and Joints74
Glands86
Total1610

Of the 16 "active" cases, 3 are in hospital, 2 are bedridden,
2 are in special sanatoria schools, and 1 has gone
abroad. The other 8 cases (non-infectious), and the 10 arrested
cases all attend elementary schools. It might be
considered that an "open air" school would be more beneficial
for such children, but each case must be considered individually
and is kept under observation. Many of these children
are better physically and in general health than so-called
normal children.
(e) Skin Disease:—Of the 397 children cleansed under
the arrangements of the Local Authority, several were suffering
from scabies or other skin diseases for which special baths
were given.
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