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hospital treatment is usually obtained, although the mother
frequently finds the travelling and long waits involved in
attendance at out-patients' departments a heavy burden. For
less obvious, though not necessarily less important conditions,
prompt and adequate treatment is probably not readily
obtained. The Borough Council has already found it
necessary to step in to make provision for orthopaedic
treatment, for enlarged tonsils, adenoids and mastoid disease
and, more recently, for the inhalation treatment of catarrhal
conditions. It would probably be found upon investigation
that many cases of squinit and other defects of vision, rheumatism,
rickets, etc., would be reduced in their serious
effects in school life if prompt and adequate treatment were
more easily available in or immediately near the Borough
before the child reached school age. I have recently
arranged for cases of rheumatism to be specially referred to
the Special Clinic for Delicate Children for advice. This
Clinic could be extended in scope to deal with the treatment
of rheumatism, rickets and also squint, and additional sessions
would no doubt be necessary. Another type of case is
illustrated by the recent application from a small children's
hostel for dietetic treatment for a grant towards the treatment
of a Bethnal Green child. There is a number of
children, not necessarily seriously ill, suffering from some
defect such as anaemia, malnutrition or catarrhal conditions.
Such children require close observation and specialized care,
which can only be obtained in a hospital. A period of
hospital care will enable the constitution to be built up,
right habits of diet to be formed, etc., in a more efficient
manner than is possible by mere occasional attendances at a
Clinic. In accordance with the request of the Sub-Committee,
I have discussed this matter with the Medical Superintendent
of the Bethnal Green Hospital, and I understand that
arrangements could be made, if desired, for children to be
treated in that Hospital for such period as may be necessary.
Denial Care.
In no branch of physical welfare work can more productive
results be achieved than By the early care of
the teeth. This the Borough Council has recognised
by the establishment of a Dental Clinic at the Welfare
Centre, Cornwall Road. Much useful work has been carried
out at this Clinic, both for expectant mothers and young
children. It is, however, seriously restricted in its services
for young children owing to the fact that the sessions are
only fortnightly and that much of the time is taken up
with gas administrations and denture fittings. Moreover,
only children exhibiting signs of definite dental defects
are referred to the Clinic.