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Assessment Centres
The Report on Child Health Centres accompanying Ministry of Health Circular
34/68 included a recommendation that the early detection of physical, mental and
emotional defects should be a major function of a modern preventive health service
for the child, but that more comprehensive assessment is a matter for referral through
the family doctor to the hospital service, and that hospital authorities should be asked
to review their present arrangements for comprehensive assessment centres for
handicapped children.
In December, 1968, the Council decided to review the position relating to
assessment centres for handicapped children, and during 1969 further discussions
were held with the Consultant Paediatrician at the North Middlesex Hospital regarding
setting up an assessment centre, but no tangible result has yet emerged.
Specialist Clinic Referrals
Children suffering from defects were referred to clinics as follows:
Ophthalmic 243 new cases
773 attendances
71 prescribed spectacles
Ear, Nose and Throat 40 new cases
125 attendances
Orthoptic 59 new cases
563 attendances
Orthopaedic 42 new cases
99 attendances
Speech 54 new cases
651 attendances
Audiometric testing 78 special tests
29 found to have a
hearing loss (two of
whom were already
known)
Clinic Premises
Of the twenty clinics in the borough, twelve are purpose-built, five are in adapted
premises and three are in rented premises.
The health centre being built in Hertford Road, and expected to be completed
in 1970, will replace one of the clinics in adapted premises.
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