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EAR, NOSE AND THROAT CLINIC.
This clinic was begun in January, 1946, and was a completely new
venture. A full range of equipment to cover all requirements in an
out-patient Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic was obtained without delay.
This was a fortunate time for ordering instruments, as now there is
considerable delay owing to the greater part of instrument production
being ear-marked for export.
The number of cases attending was at first small, but the Clinic
has now reached a reasonable size. Children represent the majority
of patients attending, and as is usual the greater number of these are
children requiring removal of tonsils and adenoids. The names of
these children are put down on the waiting fist at University College
Hospital. By this means the children remain under the charge of
the same surgeon who has seen them at the Public Health Centre,
and avoid the routine of a second out-patient examination.
Acute middle ear infections in children, and chronic middle ear
infections in adults form the next biggest group. These are by far
the most suitable type of case for a clinic of this description. There
is adequate time for careful and repeated toilet and dressing of the
ear, which is so essential in the treatment of middle ear disease. The
majority do not require in-patient treatment and can, therefore, be
dealt with entirely at the Public Health Centre.
Nasal infections are not frequent. Some of these have been
transferred to University College Hospital for operative treatment.
A few cases are referred from the Tuberculosis Department for
laryngeal examination.
The numbers of patients sent up by doctors in the Borough about
equal those referred from other departments within the Public Health
Centre.
During the year 48 sessions were held; the total number of
attendances was 224, and the number of patients was 166.