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The consultations were in abeyance during July and August as the treatment rooms
become very hot at this period, and also because the more valuable natural sunlight is available
at this time and can be utilised and enjoyed in the various open spaces in the Borough,
combined with the beneficial effects of fresh air.
During recent years the subject of treatment by Artificial Light has received much
attention, both from the public and the press, but, unfortunately, very exaggerated claims have
been made on its behalf.
The value of "light" treatment in suitable cases is not questioned, but the expenditure of
large sums of money on the indiscriminate multiplication of "light" clinics for the merely
palliative treatment of certain diseased or defective conditions should not be regarded as a
substitute for the more important duty of removing the causes of those conditions.
The tendency to adopt this incorrect attitude appears to be particularly marked in
connection with artificial light. This form of treatment has a tonic effect on persons,
especially children, who are suffering from the effects of overcrowding, lack of fresh air,
unsuitable or insufficient food, etc. The treatment is popular and appeals to the imagination, but
the appropriate procedure in these cases would be, not to give mere temporary beuefit by light
treatment, but to utilise the money for dealing with the conditions which are responsible for
the ill effects.
Staff, Equipment and Statistics for 1928.
The clinic for providing this treatment was opened in February, 1925. The patients
are selected by the Medical Officers of the various Welfare Centres from the children who are
in attendance under their care. Medical practitioners can also recommend suitable St. Pancras
cases. The treatment is free, the cost being defrayed by the Borough Council. Three
Consultations, each of two hours duration, are held weekly.
Staff.—The Medical Officer carrying out the treatment is Dr. William Beaumont,
m.k.c.s., i.-R.c.p. The Superintendent of the Centre is Miss G. R Bristow, who is assisted at
the consultations by two Health Visitors from other Centres.
Lamps, etc.—Three in number: 1 Westminster Single Arc Lamp, 2 Alpine Sun Four
Arc Lamps. The current is direct, and voltage at main 220.
Cases treated.—The total number of cases treated during the year was 187.
The number of new patients was 115.
The total number of attendances was 4,765.
The number of Consultations held, 117.
Average attendance per Consultation, 41.
Average number of attendances per child, 26.
Cost. £ s. d.
Electric current 7 11 7
Cleaning 8 8 0
Consultation fees 181 2 6
Miscellaneous 13 15 6
£210 17 7
No part of the salary of the Superintendent or Health Visitors is allocated to nor
included in the above figures.