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Dr. E.G.M. Palser, consultant in orthopaedic and traumatic surgery to the Weston Park Orthopaedic
Clinic, reports:-
"During the year attendances were as follows —
Number of new cases seen:-
Under 5 years of age 201
Over 5 years of age 173
Total 374
Total attendances:-
Under 5 years of age 380
Over 5 years of age 330
Total 710
Number of cases attended for treatment by the physiotherapist:-
Old cases New cases Total
Under 5 years of age 140 44 184
Over 5 years of age 430 110 540
Totals 570 154 724
The clinic continues to deal with children mostly under the age of 12 who are sent by the Medical
Officer of Health at an early age and do not usually require treatment up to school leaving age. A small
number of traumatic cases and a small number of cases requiring surgical treatment have been seen."
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 to the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Park Lane, reports:-
"The incidence of chronic suppurative otitis media has shown a striking fall and we seldom see
a case of chronic discharging ears nor do we see untreated otitis media. Perforations of the drum have
also become scarce and all this must be considered to be a tribute to the improved standard of living
in Tottenham. he have a steady number of children referred for removal of tonsils and adenoids and
we also have some cases of middle ear deafness. There is no doubt about the value of the sweep
audiograms in schools and the only difficulty / have at the Park Lane Clinic or at the Prince of Wales's
Hospital is when I see a child who attends a school outside the audiometrician's service."
When the North West Regional Hospital Board suspended the School Ear, Nose and Throat Clinics
in Hornsey and Wood Green early in 1968, we had reason to regret not only the cessation of a valuable
service to the children of this Borough but also the termination of the employment of Dr. F.P.M. Clarke,
who has nobly fulfilled this responsibility for over a quarter of a century.
Dr. Clarke belongs to an older school in the treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions, one in
which precise diagnosis and conservative treatment hold pride of place. Proetz nasal displacement,
zinc ionisation,diastolization, etc. continued to be used in his clinic with highly satisfactory results.
Events may well show that an approach such as this, requiring skill and careful technique but avoiding
the more spectacular methods commonly used nowadays, is of greater benefit in the long run.
But for us the closing of these clinics signals the end of a long and happy relationship, and we
wish Dr. Clarke many years in which to enjoy his well-earned retirement.
Audiology Unit
The Audiology Unit is held within the precincts of Blanche Nevile School for the Deaf, and there
is a close co-operation between the medical and teaching staff. Four sessions are held each week,
and the Unit continues to serve the whole of the London Borough of Haringey, and also the London
Boroughs of Enfield and (part of) Barnet.
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