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children tested, 540 (approx. 8.2%) failed the test and were referred to
the Audiology Clinic for further assessment. In September, we were
advised by our Consultant to regard the normal hearing range on British
Standards as 0-30 dB. We had hitherto been working on the American
Standard of 0-20dB. This will in future reduce the number of failures.
For additional statistical details, see Appendix B, Page 52.
CHILD GUIDANCE CLINIC
I am grateful to Dr. G. Crosse, Consultant Psychiatrist,
South West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, for the
following report: -
In the belief that the resolution of complex emotional problems of
childhood demand a full range of disciplinary skills the clinic staff
have been encouraged to adopt an orientation which puts the highest
priority on a team approach to case work. The year under review has
seen the progressive elaboration of this central idea and close links
have been forged between the various disciplines operating at the clinic.
This interlocking and co-ordination of individual effort is exemplified in
the management of the severely maladjusted child where it is the rule
rather than the exception to have a doctor, psychologist, social worker,
teacher and nurse all working cohesively on one family problem. A high
premium is put on internal communications and regular staff discussions
are held every week.
A combination of such attitudes and procedures is costly in terms
of time and highly prohibitive in terms of turnover, a position which
gives rise to the dilemma facing all child guidance, clinics to-day, namely,
of gearing work output to new cases referred. Waiting list accretion continues
unabated and special arrangements have had to be put into force to
deal with the more serious and urgent cases. It must be stressed however
that this concession in turn reflects adversely on the waiting time for
diagnostic consultations of "cold cases".
With regard to inpatient facilities for emotionally disturbed children,
it is pleasing to report that the admission of the pre-adolescent age range
is still easily secured at the short stay psychiatric unit at Queen Mary's
Hospital, and it is only in the true adolescent range that one finds increasing
frustration.
Experience over the past year has shown that urgent admissions to
the Adolescent Unit at Long Grove Hospital cannot be secured, and the
clinic has had to fall back more and more on the resources of the local
adult psychiatric hospital, Warlingham Park. Although this hospital has