View report page

295
Children who have recently been discharged from hospital or
convalescent home following a rheumatic attack, and others in
whom a slight degree of rheumatic carditis is found or suspected,
are not allowed to play games, or to drill or swim, for a period of
at least three months after their return to school.
In all cases the general health is carefully watched and particular
attention is paid to the tonsils and teeth, treatment being provided
when required.
The houses of all cases attending the Clinic are inspected by
a sanitary inspector, and in cases of dampness, unhealthy conditions,
or overcrowding, notices are served on the owners, or the
family recommended for consideration for a Council house.
Rheumatism is a most insidious disease. Acute rheumatic
fever is far less common than the vague growing pains or mild
chorea so frequently met with. Unfortunately this mild form
may cause irreparable cardiac damage if neglected or overlooked;
it is for this reason and also for the fact that relapses are common,
that the constant supervision afforded by the Clinic is so necessary,
and of which the parents of affected children are becoming increasingly
appreciative.
Difficult and severe cases have been referred to the OutPatients'
Department at the Croydon General Hospital, where Dr.
Preston, as in previous years, has very kindly given his assistance
and advice.
The statistics of the work accomplished have been drawn up
on the same lines as those in previous reports, so that a comparison
ran be readily obtained.
The total number of children whose names were on the "live"
register at the end of 1936 was 659.