View report page

14
Defects of the Lungs
The number of lung defects reported during the year remained similar
to that in 1966 when a marked increase was noted. In view of the
difficulties in maintaining an adequate physiotherapy service it seems
likely that this increase is a real one and not merely the result of
improved treatment services.
Bronchial asthma is now one of the most common forms of lung conditions
reported in the Borough, and pulmonary tuberculosis is so rare
that diagnosis almost always depends upon an X-ray rather than on clinical
examination.
Number of cases of Notified Tuberculosis in children of school age:-
Pulmonary — 8
Non-Pulmonary — 3
The school population was 50,000 (approx.) so that the incidence rate
of pulmonary tuberculosis per 100,000 was 16. In 1966 the rate was
22/100,000. Once again there were no deaths from tuberculosis.
Developmental Defects
The sharp increase in the number of these defects noted in last year's
report was not maintained and indeed a slight reduction in the high figure
for 1966 is confirmed.
Orthopaedic Defects
Dr. Thelma Wield, a school medical officer with special responsibilities
for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, reports that school children with
minimal spasticity (cerebral palsy) are giving rise to some anxiety. Although
they are encouraged to attend ordinary schools and no complete record of
their disabilities is kept, it does seem that their special needs may be overlooked.
The cause of the condition is minimal brain damage and, whilst this
may not result in the more obvious appearance of a spastic child, it may lead
to lack of manual dexterity which is all too easily attributed to "clumsiness".
Moreover minimal brain damage may have an effect on learning ability, or on
a particular aspect of learning, so that general or specific educational retardation
may occur. Many of these difficulties can be overcome if all concerned
are aware of the condition and it cannot be too strongly stressed that it is
wise to exclude organic factors in every child with learning difficulties, poor
manual dexterity and over-active behaviour before concluding that such a
child is either lazy, clumsy or naughty.
Fifty-seven children with more severe forms of cerebral palsy were
known to the Service on 31.12.67. and they were receiving education as
follows:-