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School-children as a class, comprise a large part of the total
numbers treated in the Solarium. The group system of irradiation
was put into force during the year. Circles, surrounded by
four Jesionek mercury-vapour lamps and four large radiant
heat lamps, were marked out in each treatment room, one for
boys and the other for girls. The children are timed to arrive in
regular groups after the closure of school, and step round the
circles, marching time being provided by gramophone music
In warmer weather, each group, after the completion of irradiation,
is put through a set of simple physical exercises by the nurse
in charge.
In a working-class district, particularly in times of economic
distress, malnutrition and debility are not uncommon amongst
children of school age. Many such cases are referred to the
Tuberculosis Officer as possible cases of tuberculosis, and treatment
in the Solarium is of great value in this class of case.
Amongst such cases discharged during the year improvement
was noted in seventy-five per cent. As pointed out previously,
poor and overcrowded housing conditions invalidate the beneficial
effects of treatment in some instances, and this accounts for
failure in a proportion of the cases.
Amongst the Maternity and Child Welfare cases results were
encouraging Improvement was noted in the ante-natal cases,
and of the rachitic infants completing treatment during the year
the vast majority received great benefit.
Improvements were also noted in the bronchitic type of
infant and in those suffering from marasmus and debility.
A considerable number of patients afflicted with chronic
rheumatic affections were again referred for treatment. This
type of illness constitutes a great problem amongst the older
industrial population, and is the cause of much prolonged misery
and incapacity. While artificial light treatment does not effect
a cure, experience shows that, in a large number of cases there is
decided relief from pain and in many an increase of mobility