View report page

86
Chronic Catarrhal Conditions.—Several of these cases
showed very definite improvement and remained free from colds
for a longer period than ever before. Two or three with
exposure to phthisis in their homes remained well throughout
the winter and were particularly satisfactory.
Anæemia, Retarded Development, &c.— A few cases
showed much improvement in their general conditions, but on
the other hand cases were encountered where no progress could
be seen.
Rickets and Malnutrition.—In families above the poverty
line (or with more intelligent general hygiene in spite of poverty)
there was a general improvement, and arrest of onset of signs
and symptoms of Rickets. Where home and nutrition factors
were satisfactory and no obvious cause could be found for
Rickets, the light treatment had definite curative effects, but it
did not appear to counteract the depressing influences of poverty
and inherited constitutional feebleness.
Deprivation of Light.—Remarkable results were obtained
in the case of a child who had spent his early months in an
underground room and was waxy, feeble and undersized. Improvement
was marked from his first treatment, and another child
in the same family who suffered from Anæmia and Catarrh, also
received great benefit.
During the year 387 patients were treated and 6,891
treatments given.
MATERNITY HOME.
In my Report for the year 1925, I was able to state
that the extension which had become necessary had been approved
'by the Ministry of Health and that the work would be
commenced, it was hoped, early in the year 1926. As a matter
of fact, the actual work was begun in March, 1926, and proceeded
almost continuously up to the month of September, so
that, for about six months out of the year, the activities of the
staff of the Maternity Home were considerably handicapped bv
building operations.
The extensions were available from 1st October, 1926,
from which date the accommodation consisted of two General