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The number of relapses one meets with is not great—
probably no more than six in a year—and they usually clear up
quickly. There are a few chronics who attend year after year.
One or two are suitable for a mastoid operation but refuse, others
are kept going by a chronic nasal infection.
Much the same procedure has been followed as in the
previous year. Obviously suitable cases were ionised, most of the
others having i0dine and boric powder. In many cases the
powder is applied at the Minor Ailments Clinic several times a
week, and the regular cleansing, with application of fresh powder,
is very effective. This powder is a great boon, for, not only is
it often effective in bringing about a dry ear, but it cleans up foul
ears in a wonderful way, and while it is being used one never hears
complaints of offensive smell from an ear.
RHEUMATISM CLINIC.
This Rheumatism Clinic is concerned with the diagnosis, supervision.
advice and re-examination of cases of juvenile rheumatism.
Whilst the Clinic does not itself undertake the treatment of cases,
it provides and arranges for the appropriate treatment to be
administered.
In the active and acute stage of the disease, children are
referred to the Croydon General Hospital or Mayday Hospital for
a peri0d of in-patient treatment, when the constant medical supervision,
skilled nursing and complete rest under satisfactory hygienic
conditions required cannot be obtained otherwise. When the home
conditions are favourable such children are referred for domiciliary
treatment by the patients' own doctor.
The mild and potential cases are greatly benefited by a peri0d
of convalescence. These children often show some degree of
general or nervous debility, and by improving health and nutrition,
the rheumatic symptoms frequently clear up. For this type of
case, more especially when the home conditions are poor, Coombe
Cliff Convalescent Home is an invaluable asset. For other suitable
cases extra nourishment in school such as milk or c0d liver oil and
malt are provided.
Cases of fully developed valvular heart disease who are unfit
for the rough and tumble of a public Elementary school are recommended
to St. Giles' School for Physical Defectives. They then
attend this school until the age of 16.