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Forty-four children were suffering from dental caries and were referred to the dental
clinic. Thirty-three had enlarged tonsils, nine enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and one with
adenoids only. In 13 cases these were removed at hospital with subsequent improvement in
the health of the children. Two cases of pharyngitis occurred.
There were eight cases of enlarged cervical glands, seven of otorrhoea, and five of other
ear conditions; three of external eye diseases, and one of strabismus which was referred to
an ophthalmic hospital for glasses. Two cases of delayed talking are having educational
treatment. Nine children suffered from enuresis and all have responded to advice. During
the early winter months, 13 cases of malnutrition, four of nasal catarrh, and 19 of cough
occurred, while one case of rheumatism was notified.
There were four cases of nervous disorders including one after poliomyelitis, one with
habit-spasm, and two who were referred to the Tavistock (Child Guidance) Clinic. Twentytwo
children were treated for skin diseases, of which 15 were for lichen urticatus, three for
eczema, and four for impetigo. Of the four cases of rickets, two had returned from Queen
Mary's Hospital, Carshalton, and two are having artificial sunlight treatment. Two children
with non-tuberculous lung disease were referred to hospital.
All cases requiring constant medical supervision are advised to consult their own doctor
or are sent to hospital.
School Entrants.
During the year information was received from the London County Council
that 161 children living in Holborn had been entered as attending school for the
first time. Particulars of the child's pre-school physical history and his record of
attendance at an Infant Welfare Centre were forwarded to the head teacher of the
infants department of the school concerned. This information is set out on a form
supplied by the London County Council and is intended for the use of the School
Medical Officer when examining school entrants.
Notice of attendance at school has brought to our knowledge families hitherto
unknown to us, having recently entered the Borough. This knowledge has been
very useful in connection with Maternity and Child Welfare Work generally.
Stillbirths.
During 1931 fifteen stillbirths were registered, all of which were legitimate.
In all I received information of 16 stillbirths; enquiry as to possible causes
was made in each case.
Three occurred in the private practice of doctors, four in the extern practice of an
institution, and in nine instances the confinement took place in hospitals.
Difficult labour was responsible for nine; in four, abnormal presentation occurred; in one
thore was abnormality of the umbilical cord; in two there was abnormality of the
foetus, both being abnormally large; in two no definite reason could be assigned. Toxaemia
of pregnancy accounted for six. In one ante-partum haemorrhage was the most likely cause
of stillbirth.