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13 (13) children attended schools for the deaf and 13 (12) attended
partially hearing units. 10(10) children who wear hearing aids attended
various other schools, viz. 5 (6) in ordinary schools, 2 (2) in physically
handicapped schools, 3 (2) in schools for ESN.
Audiology.
The total attendances at the 43 (41) sessions held numbered 371
(382). New cases attending during the year totalled 131 (184). In
addition, a "deaf" register, reviewed at regular intervals by a designated
medical officer, was kept in the principal social worker (Health Services)
section, where a social worker is responsible for maintaining liaison with
the special services provided for deaf children some of whom may be
attending audiology clinics, other than those referred to above, and a
number of whom are in boarding schools.
Ear, Nose and Throat.
There were 65 (94) sessions held during the year. Total attendances
numbered 502 (836). New cases attending during the year numbered 141
(281).
Special Investigation.
Children with a wide variety of problems attend the special
investigation clinics, where in the main problems of enuresis and overweight
are dealt with. Cases of debility and poor general physique
account for the bulk of other referrals.
At the 120 (116) sessions held, 120 (12.9) new cases were seen, while
the total attendances amounted to 865 (909).
Minor Ailments.
130 (138) sessions were conducted by medical officers who examined
775 (748) new cases. Nursing sisters held 892 (899) sessions and saw
4,945 (5,416) new cases. Altogether the total attendances at the clinics
numbered 17,351 (18,584).
Speech.
There were 3 (3) clinics in the area staffed by 4 (3) speech
therapists who, between them, conducted 10 (9) sessions per week.
Attendances at the vision, hearing, audiology and ear, nose and
throat clinics are arranged through the principal social worker (Health
Services). With the exception of two of the clinics included in the
first heading, social workers attend clinic sessions and provide the
doctor with appropriate information in the social aspects of each case.
They also act as liaison (working in co-operation with the School Care
Committee) between the child's parents, the school, and the clinic to
ensure that all necessary facilities are available for the child to
benefit fully from treatment recommended.
Towards the end of the year, it was agreed that one of the parttime
school health social worker posts should be regraded as fulltime.
This was done in order to make a social worker available to act
as liaison for Kensington and Chelsea children with social workers in
other boroughs attached to the special schools.