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14
It appears from investigations that these figures do not actually
prove the increase in the incidence of enlarged tonsils and adenoids
that they suggest.
The probable explanation is that during the year there was
rather a different standard set up for such cases requiring observation,
and it will be noted that the actual number of cases treated
was practically the same as in the preceding year.
In the Annual Report for last year it was stated that adequate
facilities at either of these Hospitals do not exist for the overnight
detention of all children after operation. This is a matter for your
further consideration, as all children should be retained in hospital
after the surgical treatment of tonsils and adenoids.
This ideal is practicable at a cost which, in my opinion, would
involve the Town in a liability of from three to four times the
amount of money spent at present on this service.
Home visits by the school nurses to children operated upon
are paid on the patient's return home, while in certain cases children
are brought home by ambulance after operation.
Last year's Report also drew your attention to the fact it would
be a decided advantage if the arrangements of bringing children
home from the hospital by ambulance, which is now only adopted
in selected cases, were made general. This question is having
your present consideration.
The percentage of the above affection found among entrants
was 22.2.
(i) Tuberculosis.—The total number of cases of tuberculosis
in school children notified to the Medical Officer of Health during
the year was 22. During the year 57 cases were referred to the
Tuberculosis Officer, of whom 13 were subsequently notified as
tuberculosis. The total number of attendances bv children of
school age at the Dispensary amounted to 218, while during the
year 14 children were recommended through the Essex County
Council for hospital or sanatorium treatment. Quiescent cases of
the disease were as in previous years admitted to the Open-air
School, Faircross, and numbered 74.