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55
Secondly, a large group of throat and lung cases.
The treatment of chronic septic tonsils has been disappointing, and those
cases of repeated bronchitis accompanying such tonsils have shown little improvement,
though as a rule the mother has said that the attacks are milder. Apart
from this, the reports from the clinic doctors on their bronchitic patients have
been good.
The asthma cases do surprisingly well.
The child who is constantly catching cold has been greatly benefited, as
also the type of child that catches cold with every tooth it cuts.
Thirdly, a group comprising various conditions.
Thei general good effect on the debility following such illnesses as measles,
whooping-cough, etc., is very marked and shows itself rapidly.
The improvement in the rickety child is quite definite, but the treatment must
be prolonged.
The results in cases of impetigo are so very satisfactory that it is to be hoped
that every one will be sent up to the Sunlight Clinic, as comparatively few doses
are usually sufficient, even in severe cases.
In one case of severe chilblains of the toes, treatment gave a cure, but the
patient has' only just finished his course, so whether it is permanent remains to
be proved.
Enlarged cervical glands due to septic tonsils have not responded to treatment,
but one case of a discharging tuberculous gland of long standing completely
healed up after six doses.
Two cases of nocturnal enuresis showed some improvement; others were
unaffected.
We have one case of diabetes recommended to us by Dr. Cameron of Guy's
Hospital, which, from his report, is making good progress.
Another interesting case is one of a child whose teeth had developed no
enamel and whose blood showed a calcium deficiency. It is too early yet to say
whether we are doing any good.
What of the subsequent history of these patients?
We have endeavoured to see them every six weeks for a space of six months
after finishing their treatments, in order to judge whether progress is maintained.
We have thus been able to follow up forty-two cases, and we have to report that
of these nine were sent back for further treatment, at the end of six weeks: three
after four months : ten are very well up to date: twenty have reached the end of
six months and have maintained their good condition.
Many who were ordered back for further treatment picked up again very
quickly.
Our X-ray examinations and reports have been disappointing, but we hope
to get better results in the future.
I should like to say a word in conclusion in praise of the untiring energy of
the Superintendent, Miss Hale, and the generous enthusiasm of Miss Lang and
other voluntary workers, which has contributed so much to the efficient working
of the Clinic.
SANITARY ADMINISTRATION.
Under this, which is made a separate heading by the Ministry of Health, the
Medical Officer of Health is required to make reference to a number of matters,
e.g., staff, hospital accommodation and some others, most of which will be found
dealt with elsewhere.
(1) Staff: Work of sanitary inspectors and other officers engaged in
sanitary work. This matter, so far as the inspectors are concerned, is fully
discussed in an early part of the report. The report of the Mortuary Keeper
(Mrs. Spears) is as follows:—