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74
Pre-School Children, 1936.
During the year 1936, 41 of the Pre-School children attending the Monday
afternoon Pre-School Clinic were found to be below the normal standard of weight
and height'for their respective ages, while 39 were above it. The rest were up
to standard both as regards weight and height.
Thirty-six children were found to be suffering from skin diseases; 17 from
impetigo and other septic skin conditions, 5 from eczema and 13 from lichen
urticatus. There was 1 case of wool rash, 2 of fur dermatitis and 2 of insect bites.
All were treated at John Street or referred to hospital.
Respiratory diseases were less numerous than in 1935, there being 17 cases
of cough, 4 of which were bronchitis, but many children suffered during the damp
weather from nasal catarrh.
Alimentary conditions included 10 cases of chronic constipation, 5 of diarrhœa,
1 of threadworms and 1 ulcerated mouth. Dental cases were found in 29 cases,
and all were referred to the dentist.
Nine children had enlarged cervical glands, chiefly owing to decayed teeth.
There was 1 case of malnutrition and 2 of debility, the latter being sent to
the Institute of Ray Therapy for Artificial Sunlight Treatment. Three children
suffered from tonsilitis, 1 from laryngitis, 15 had enlarged tonsils, 7 had septic
tonsils and adenoids, and 1 adenoids alone.
Suitable cases were sent to hospital for treatment, and the rest responded to
advice given at the Clinic.
There were 2 cases of heart disease, which are undergoing hospital treatment,
4 of enuresis, and 1 case of night-terrors and stuttering. They were referred to
the Institute of Medical Psychology for treatment.
Earache occurred in 5 chilrren, and 2 had discharging ears which were
treated successfully at the Minor Ailment Clinic. The eye diseases dealt with
were two cases of blepharitis and 1 of conjunctivitis, while 2 children with
strabismus were referred to hospital for lenses.
There were 3 cases of umbilical hernia which responded to treatment by
strapping, and 1 case of epistaxis. Many children were reported to sleep badly
at night, but these cases appeared to be mostly due to domestic causes and bad
training.
Foundling Hospital Day Nursery.
The establishment of a day nursery and play centre for children at Coram
Fields (Foundling Hospital Site) has been referred to in previous Annual Reports.
These activities were maintained during 1936.
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 (£100) towards the cost incurred in connection
with Holborn children.
School Entrants.
During the year information was received from the London County Council
that 127 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