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It will be observed that during the year 7,515 ailments in excess of the
number for which provision was made were actually treated. This was mainly on
account of the large numbers of cases dealt with in the minor ailment departments.
Such cases are mainly fortuitous, and it is quite impossible to make a close estimate
of the needs of each of the 67 minor ailments centres in the various districts of London.
Eye defects.
The total number of eye cases dealt with during the year was 44,172, compared
with 44,686 during the year 1931, a decrease of 514.
From 1924 to 1931 the number of cases of defective vision dealt with in the
eye department increased from 31,986 steadily at the rate of about 1,600 a year.
The falling off in the numbers in 1932 is more apparent than real, and is accounted
for by an alteration of the method of issuing voucher cards. Previously a new
voucher card was issued, if necessary, at the end of six months and the case became
a new case for which a new capitation fee was paid. In 1932, however, it was decided
to make the "life" of a voucher one year. There was consequently a reduction of
the number of vouchers issued and a saving in cost was effected.
Ringworm.
It is gratifying again to be able to report that, owing to the gradual elimination
of the incidence of ringworm amongst the child population in London, it has been
possible to reduce still further the provision for the X-ray treatment of such cases.
During the year under review the total number of ringworm cases dealt with was
224, compared with 268 during the year 1931, and 1,703 during the year 1921.
Minor
ailments.
Nursing treatment of children suffering from minor ailments was given in 100,275
cases during the year, a decrease of 1,116 on the number dealt with during 1931.
Ear, nose
and throat.
During the year 17,364 children were treated in the ear, nose and throat departments,
a decrease of 3,339 compared with the number dealt with in the preceding
year. There has been a remarkable falling off in the number of cases found to
require treatment, and, when it is remembered that during the past decade well over
100,000 school children in London have had operations for enlarged tonsils and
adenoids, this experience is not surprising.
During the year 1932 the number of throat operations performed under the
Council's scheme was 13,765 compared with 16,243 during the year 1931.