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47
Toddlers' Clinic.
Weekly toddlers' sessions are held alternatively on either side of
the Borough. Dr. Ruth Balmer, who has special experience in preschool
children, is the Medical Officer in attendance at the Clinic.
The average attendance per session during 1935 was:
27, Pond Street, 14.
Health Institute, 19.
The children attending the Toddlers' Clinic consist of:—
(1) "Special Children"—referred by the Borough Council.
(2) "Other Children"—referred by Health Visitors, Voluntary
Workers, Parents, Re-visits of "Special Children,"
etc.
"Special Children."
The parents of every child attaining the age of three years
receive a special invitation from this Department to bring the child
to the Toddlers' Clinic for a routine examination. The health visitor
delivers the letter of invitation, while at the same time she uses her
influence in persuading the mother to accept the invitation. The
examination by the Doctor at the Clinic is on the lines of a school
medical inspection. "Defective" children are referred either to their
family doctor or to a hospital and are subsequently followed up by the
health visitor to ensure that they are receiving the requisite treatment.
These "defective" children are called up again to the Clinic for subsequent
examination. During the year 474 parents have received
invitations, 89 of whom have accepted, and of this number 12 children
were found to be suffering from various defects. It is our endeavour
to ensure that these defects are remedied before the child commences
school.
Ray-Therapy.
The Council makes an annual subscription of £6 6s. 0d. to the
Institute of Ray-Therapy, 152, Camden Road, N.W., which provides
free treatment to patients referred to the Institute from the Toddlers'
Clinic and the Infant Welfare Centres.
Arrangements for the Supply of Milk and Food.
There have been 231 families assisted with free milk or milk at
half price during the year, for either expectant mothers, nursing