View report page

Synopsis of Subjects covered (continued)
First Aid 9
Eye Care 1
Film shows on various health topics have also been arranged and undertaken.
MASS RADIOGRAPHY
During 1967 the Mass Radiography Unit of the North West Metropolitan Regional
Hospital Board visited the Borough and 981 persons were X-rayed.
During that year the total number of persons X-rayed by the static and mobile Units
operating in the whole of the area covered by the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital
Board was 287,380. 340 cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis were discovered, fewer than
in 1966, confirming the downward gradual trend observed in the past four years. Of the 340
active cases, 63% were found by routine radiography and 37% in doctors' referrals. In
addition 243 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed this bein g 20 more than in 1966. The
incidence in men rose sharply from 1.4 per 1000 in age group 45-54 to 4.8 and 12.8 per 1000
in age groups 55-64 and 65 and over respectively.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION CLINIC
A Special Investigation Clinic was started on June 6th 1967 in the premises of Vale
Drive Centre, High Barnet. The clinic is directed by the Deputy Medical Officer of Health,
with a supporting staff of Nurse, Social Worker and Clerk. The purpose of the clinic is to
investigate, treat, and conduct research into the main conditions of Enuresis and Encopresis
and to a minor extent behaviour problems affecting children.
Studies of children by various workers have shown that of children at the 5 year old age
level, 15% suffer with bed-wetting. At the 10 year old age level the incidence falls to 5%,
and at the 15 year old age level the figure is 1%. Although this denotes a tendency for spontaneous
remission of enuresis, many years of suffering may pass before the child acquires
continence. These statistics also indicate the immensity of the problem and additional
aggravations are the secondary effects of emotional overlay and inter-family tension which
may arise from persistent enuresis.
Based on this premise the Special Investigation Clinic became operative, and referrals
are accepted from various agencies. No child is accepted without parental approval, and in
every case the child's general practitioner is first notified. Any objection from parent or
practitioner is respected, and the child not accepted for treatment.
There are divergent views on the aetiology of enuresis and encopresis and these
involve theoretical considerations resulting in different disciplines of investigation and
treatment. This particular clinic is orientated on the lines of Learning Theory Psychology
with a practical application involving Behaviour Therapy. This does not signify that the
136