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In the case of children of school age, where the diagnosis is still
indefinite after a period of observation, advantage is taken of
Form M.o.33 L.C.C., to refer the child to the School Medical Officer,
who may send the child back to the Dispensary at any time, if he
thinks it advisable to do so.
This system appears to work satisfactorily, and has the merit of
insuring a definite diagnosis within a reasonable time, and thus avoids
the attendance at the Dispensary, for indefinite periods, of undiagnosed
cases. All cases which have ceased attendance at the Dispensary
because of discharge, death, or removal to another district,
are recorded in outline on a card. It is intended that this record
should go back for five years only, and that it should be brought
up to date at the end of each year.
(2) The hours of attendance have been altered so that patients
who have previously attended the Dispensary, i.e., 'Old cases,'
have to attend on afternoons between 1 and 2 p.m.; on Monday
evening from 6.30-7.30 p.m., and on Friday morning from 9.30-
10.30 a.m.
Local practitioners and public institutions interested have been
informed of the change.
Every allowance is made to suit the convenience of patients,
particularly with regard to Monday evening.
All examinations are made by appointment, with the exception
only of urgent cases. The appointment is made by post-card, as
this method has been found more effective than any other.
The effect of this change has been very noticeable.
Old patients who do not require special examination are rarely
detained more than half an hour at the Dispensary.
By this means the Dispensary is rapidly cleared of patients, and
the quiet thus caused is very advantageous for the physical examination
of patients who come by appointment.
Very little difficulty has been experienced in getting patients to
understand the change, and there is no doubt they greatly appreciate
the promptness with which they are seen. Between eight and ten
cases are examined at a session.