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Dr. Macfarlane reports as follows:—
Weekly clinics continued to be held during 1960, and a total of 733 cases was seen.
Of these, 142 were new cases, and at the end of the year there was no waiting list of new
cases, about 3 or 4 of these being fitted in at the clinic each week. There are, however,
considerable arrears with regard to the retesting of old cases, and it is impossible to keep
up the standard of seeing the patients every 6 months as their numbers are too many.
Becontree Clinic is a much pleasanter place to work in since the re-decorations were
done, and in particular the waiting room with its chairs for all sizes of children and its
gay colours has been improved beyond all recognition.
Children with squints continue to form the bulk of the patients seen at the clinic
and orthoptic treatment can be obtained for these at Oldchurch Hospital when necessary.
Should they require surgery they can be dealt with very quickly at the same hospital or
at King George V Hospital, Ilford.
Pre-school children are also seen at the clinic, and it has been found that the mothers
of these are often more co-operative than those of the older children. As in past years,
non-attendance at clinics without any excuse being given is still very prevalent, and is
to be deplored. The school nurses are very zealous in their efforts to follow up these
patients, and are greatly to be commended.
In my opinion the presence of a dispensing optician at the clinic is very desirable,
and would probably be welcomed by the parents as it would save them time and effort.
Audiometric Tests
27 children have been tested with the audiogram. 8 were referred to Grays Inn Road
Hospital, 15 are being kept under observation, 1 is attending school for the deaf, 1
would not co-operate and 2 had normal hearing.
Child Guidance
173 children from Dagenham were seen at the Romford Child Guidance Clinic.
There is still a 3 months waiting list, except in court cases when the child is seen within
2—3 weeks.
Other Specialist Clinics
School medical officers refer children to hospital consultants for opinion or for
treatment at specialist clinics; 227 children were so referred during the year as follows
Chest Physician 9
Cardiologist 19
Orthopaedic Surgeon 20
E.N.T 55
Dermatologist 5
Paediatrician 56
Enuresis Clinic 28
Ophthalmologist 4
Audiologist 31
227
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