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32
and deformity. The letter suggested regular medical examination
after each birthday by the family doctor or at the Health Centre.
One hundred copies were sent out, but only four children were
brought to the Centre as a direct result of these letters, proving
beyond doubt that printed information and advice is of very little
value. Following on the visits of the Health Visitors, however,
and their advice and suggestions to the mothers to take advantage
of the regular medical supervision of young children provided by
the Health Centre, the number of children examined from 1 to 5
years of age increased considerably.
A new record card was adopted whereby a complete account
of the child's family and personal medical history could be kept,
examinations being recorded on five occasions between one and
five years old, the first between one year and one-and-a-half years
old, the second from one-and-a-half years to two years, the third
two years to three years, the fourth three years to four years,
and the fifth between four and five years, this card being handed
over to the School Medical Department on the child reaching
the age of five years.
It is hoped that in this way many defects will be prevented
and others will receive the necessary treatment at the earliest
stage, thus reducing the number of defects found on school medical
inspection.
From June, when the new arrangements began, until December,
1,745 children from one to five years of age were specially examined
and the facts ascertained on examination duly recorded, treatment
being advised as with school children when defects were found.
From this beginning of regular medical inspection it is hoped to
develop a scheme of medical inspection of children under school
age similar in all respects in the way of recording, treatment and
supervision to that for school children.
In addition to the work above-mentioned there are also
important activities of a non-medical or educative character
carried on by the Health Visitors, and certain voluntary
Workers, notably Mrs. Adnams, Mrs. Ludlow, Mrs. Parry and
Miss Peal, to whom the thanks of the Council are due;