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74
Pre-school Children.
During the year under report 69 of the children examined were found to be
under-developed for their respective ages and types, while 24 were above the
average. The rest were about normal for their age and type.
Forty-four children suffered from throat abnormalities; of these, 25 were cases
of enlarged or inflamed tonsils, 16 of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, while three
had enlarged adenoids only. Twelve have been operated on with beneficial result
to their health; in six cases the parents refused treatment, while the remaining
cases requiring operation are awaiting admission to hospital.
Twenty-eight children were found to have dental caries and were referred to
the dental clinic.
The cases of skin diseases numbered 35; of these, 11 were of impetigo, 13 were
of lichen urticatus, 10 of eczema, one of vaccinia, while one child was infested with
pediculus capitis.
Eight children were found to be suffering from rickets; four required treatment
and were referred to appropriate institutions.
As regards alimentary affections, ten children harboured parasitic threadworms,
eight suffered from obstinate constipation, and one case of diarrhoea and
vomitting occurred. Three children suffered from enuresis; one had an umbilical
hernia, one weak ankles, one a stutter and one had chilblains. Advice is being given
and, where necessary, the cases will be referred to hospital. Four children were
referred to the Child Guidance Clinic for nervousness and bad habits and derived
much benefit from the treatment. One child suffering from hypothyroidism and
hypopituitism was referred to hospital and is responding well to glandular therapy.
There were eight cases of enlarged cervical glands, nine cases of otorrhœa,
also one case of mastoid disease which was referred to hospital. Six children were
found to be anæmic and five debilitated.
Of the cases of eye disease, three had styes, four conjunctivitis, and oneblepharitis
; three cases of strabismus were referred to hospital for treatment.
A diphtheria carrier was detected and sent to hospital; and three children were
referred during the year for Sunray treatment for debility and loss of muscular tone.
Foundling Site Day Nursery.
The establishment of a day nursery and play centre for children at the
Foundling Hospital Site has been referred to in previous Annual Reports. These
activities were maintained during 1933. ,
The number of children from Holborn attending this day nursery is evidence
of the need of such facilities in its immediate neighbourhood, and the Council
decided again to make a contribution (£20) towards the cost incurred in connection
with Holborn children.
School Entrants.
During the year information was received from the London County Council
that 143 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