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63
The procedure whereby invitation cards are sent to children
on their birthdays inviting them to attend the Maternity and Child
Welfare Clinic to be medically examined, has been continued throughout
the year and has proved reasonably satisfactory. I would like,
however, to see a larger percentage of these invitations accepted.
It will be noticed that the smallest percentage of the appointments
kept is for children aged four years. This particular examination
is of great importance. It is the one opportunity the Maternity
and Child Welfare Committee has of remedying defects before
children enter school, and of saving a large amount of the time
that is lost in rendering children fit to be taught on entering school.
At four years of age dental defects are apparent in the majority
of children and can be treated, whilst minor maladies of nutrition
can be investigated and remedied. An increase in the number of
children attending on their fourth birthday would do much to
improve the health of the younger members of the district.
AURAL TREATMENT.
The scheme whereby children under five years of age and antenatal
and nursing mothers could be referred to the School Aural
Clinic was continued, and during the course of the year 45 children
and 3 mothers were so referred. This compares with 33 children
during the previous year.
Of the 45 children and 3 mothers, 22 were found to have
enlarged tonsils and adenoids needing removal.
OPHTHALMIC TREATMENT.
The scheme whereby mothers and children attending the Centres
who are in need of ophthalmic treatment could be referred to the
School Ophthalmic Surgeon, was continued throughout the year.