London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Wimbledon 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]
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had to be increased to two. During the present year arrangements
have been made to complete the equipment necessary
for this Clinic.
(j) Artificial Light Treatment. 13 children attending the
Health Centre were recommended artificial light treatment.
The children selected for this treatment were suffering from malnutrition
and anæmia, often associated with manifestations of
slight rheumatism. The parents were informed how to obtain
this treatment through neighbouring hospitals and institutions.
There are no facilities for obtaining this treatment at the Health
Centre and as the number of cases requiring artificial light
treatment is small there does not appear to be any indication
at present for this provision.
SPEECH CLINIC.
At the commencement of the year 1931 a sufficient number
of cases were reported from the Schools to necessitate the continuation
of the Speech Clinic. It is interesting to note that
during the two years that this Clinic has been in existence the
number of children in attendance has never fallen below 20.
Fresh cases have always been in readiness to take the place of
those discharged. A slight re-organisation of the work was
effected in January, the children being treated three hours per
week instead of four. Under this arrangement stammerers
attend twice a week and cases of defective speech only once.
The following table shows the number treated and discharged during the year:—
| No. treated | Cured | |
|---|---|---|
| Stammerers | 22 | 9 |
| Defective Speech | 19 | 7 |
| Total | 41 | 16 |
Further cases of stammering have been brought to notice
from the Infants' Schools. Parents of these children were seen
and given suggestions as to home treatment. Very young
children, however, are unable to exert the concentration and
mental effort necessary for their cure. Consequently it is found
inadvisable to admit them to the classes until they are 8 years
old. In the autumn a circular letter was sent to the Head
Teachers of all the schools asking for the names of any new
children with defective speech. As a result of this 14 children
requiring treatment were reported.
Miss Crickmay and Miss Gardner, who are in charge of this
class, report that the year's work on the whole has been very
satisfactory.
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