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Special Investigation Clinics
There are six special investigation clinics at six different centres in the
Borough. Children are referred to these sessions mainly on account of enuresis and
obesity, but a minority are referred because of poor nutrition. Total attendances at
the sessions increased from 1,849 in 1965 to 1,972 in 1966. By the end of the year
80 children had been discharged from further attendance.
Arrangements were made for Mr. M.J. Bergold, Psychologist and Lecturer at Munich
University (seconded to the Institute of Psychology at Maudsley Hospital for a
temporary period) to work with a Senior Medical Officer at one of the special
investigation clinics in the Borough for experience (without remuneration).
Child Guidance
Certain children showing signs of behaviour difficulties, school phobia,
retardation and nervous disorders, etc. are often helped by treatment at Child
Guidance clinics. There are no such clinics at present within the Borough of Islington
but these are included in plans for the future. In the meantime children from this
Borough are referred to the John Scott Centre, Woodberry Down, N. 4.. and the Hoxton
Unit, Sarah Street, N. 1, both of which had a waiting list.
Minor Ailments Sessions
In view of the low attendance at doctors' minor ailments sessions, where children
could be treated for verrucae, athlete's foot, minor skin diseases, ear and eye
trouble, etc., these doctors' sessions were discontinued during the latter part of the
year and the sessions were held by school nursing sisters who could refer the children
to their own doctors if necessary.
Tuberculosis Incidents
During 1966, notifications were received that four members of school staff in
Islington (two teachers, a school helper and a kitchen helper) were suffering from
pulmonary tuberculosis. A fifth notification was that of a 12 year old girl attending
an Islington School. Five different schools were involved. Following investigation of
the child contacts, five children were found to be in need of treatment.
Recuperative Holidays
In addition to the 105 (144) school and nursery schoolchildren from Islington
placed by the Medical Adviser's Department during this year, recuperative holidays
were arranged by this Borough for 8 (10) school and nursery school children.
B.C.G. Vaccination
During 1966, 1,473 schoolchildren were Mantoux tested at 19 schools, 1,343 of
these were given B.C.G. vaccination, 74 were x-rayed and of these 44 were found to
need treatment.
Prophylaxis Sessions in Schools
During 1966, 34 immunisation sessions were held in primary schools in the Borough.
Of these 26 were first visits and 2,285 children received complete courses of
immunisation. A further number of children started courses of immunisation at these
sessions and were referred to local welfare centres for completion. It is estimated
that the average percentage of children protected by immunisation in the schools
visited was raised by 14%.
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