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At the time of writing, an extension to the school premises Is being built. At present, shortage of
space makes organisation both of the Educational and of the Medical aspects of the school's activities
difficult. Despite the difficulties, morale is high. When the extension is complete it may well be even
higher".
Orthopaedic Clinics
There are two orthopaedic clinics in the Borough, at each of which fortnightly sessions are held.
Mr. E.H. Hambly, consulting orthopaedic surgeon to Lordship Lane Clinic, reports:-
"The Clinics are slightly larger because Wood Green children now attend. I have been struck
during the past year by the quality from the medical point of view of the patients sent to the Orthopaedic
Clinic. The Medical Officers do an extremely good job of work in sending the right type of patient who
can benefit from the physiotherapy under the guidance of the physiotherapist.
Liaison with Mr. Ives, the Head Teacher of Vale Road School for Physically Handicapped Children,
and with Dr. William Dunham, who is in charge of the Spastic Unit at Vale Road School, continues to be
as close as ever".
Dr. E.G.M. Palser, consultant in physical medicine to the Weston Park Orthopaedic Clinic, reports:-
"The number of new cases seen during the year was:-
Under 5 years of age 167
Over 5 years of age 208
375
Number of attendances during the yean-
Under 5 years of age 303
Over 5 years of age 362
665
Number of attendances for treatment by physiotherapist:-
Under 5 years of age 102
Over 5 years of age 609
711
It appears that more cases are being taken early and their treatment being completed before teenage.
During the year, in addition to routine school orthopaedic cases, two cases deserve comment; one was an
autistic child, also a patient at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, whose calipers, boots and walking
sticks have been designed and supplied by us and who has been receiving treatment at the clinic during
holiday time from a special school for autistic children. The other was a quadriplegia due to head injury
in infancy who is receiving treatment who a view to assessment and improvement".
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinics
There are three ear, nose and throat clinics in the Borough, at two of which weekly sessions are
held, and at the other monthly sessions.
Mr. W. McKenzie, consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon to Park Lane Clinic, reports:-
"I have usually commented on the steady decrease of children needing specialist treatment, and it
is striking that we only have to work once a month, whereas my predecessor worked twice a week. A
discharging ear in a child is now a rarity and all the other diseases of childhood affecting the nose and
throat are becoming scarcer. I think this is due to the improved conditions of general health, and I do
not think that it is due to any change in treatment in my Department.
I expect that this decrease will continue, and it is likely that the need for a clinic may become less
in future years. I do not think the clinic should disappear, because the children and their parents like
it, and it is a pleasant way of examining them in their own world".