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Nutritional and Physio-therapeutic Clinic.
Report for the Year 1932, by R. Cove Smith, h.a., m.b., b.ch., m.r.c.p., d.p.h.
The total number of attendances at the Clinic for the year 1932 was 2,066. The number
of cases under observation was 195, and of these 147 were new cases during the year. During
the second six months, when a special figure analysis was carried out, 883 treatments of
artificial sunlight and 552 massage treatments were given, but in addition the mothers are
instructed how to carry out simple massage and follow up treatment at home in order to
increase the effectiveness of the masseuses' work.
The main function of the Centre is dietetic and remedial, with Ultra-Violet Light and
Massage available as adjuvants. Owing to the large number of basement dwellings and
tenement houses in Paddington the need for ultra-violet light is great, and I glad to say that
the results are very encouraging. 109 cases required light in addition to dietetic advice; 80
required massage as well; 5 were on massage alone and 1 case did satisfactorily on altered
diet without anything further. The consultative nature of the Clinic is evidenced by the
fact that 13 cases have been discharged during the year and returned to their ordinary
Welfare Centres either cured or well on the road to recovery, while one patient discharged
herself.
Many of the cases treated are by no means as simple as they first appear, and much
good work has been done in correcting deformities, advising hospital treatment where
necessary and improving general health. The following instances are of interest:—C. S.
was brought up for bowed legs, but X-rays showed hip deformity as the cause, which is now
being corrected. F. J. C. and J. O. were both sent up as anaemic, but this was found to be
secondary to septic tonsils; operation was advised, and during the convalescent period
artificial sunlight was administered with satisfactory results. S. S., another anaemic child,
was found to be suffering from a blood disease and enlarged spleen, so was admitted to Great
Ormond Street Hospital. Of two cases who walked badly one was found to have flat foot
and another Coxa Vara. J. McK. had a stiff neck that had been caused by birth injury;
this has been improved by massage and is to be freed by operation later. J. W., another
anæmic child, proved to have infected urine that required hospital treatment. Several cases
referred for unsatisfactory nutrition were found to have congenital deformity of the heart.
Two cases of erythroedema, a rare disease with neuritis and dislike of light were seen and
treated by Vitamin B added to the diet, while numerous cases of Rickets have been considerably
improved.
Faulty feeding, both of the expectant mother and child, seems to be at the root of much
of the infantile trouble in Paddington, and this centre certainly has a contribution to make
in correcting and preventing this from spreading, though its scope is not yet as large as it
might be.