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56
AURAL CLINIC.
Report by the Aural Consultant (Mr. C. R. Sandiford.
F.R.S.C.).
This work, which was suspended at the outbreak of war, was
begun again in December.
The only point of note, and this has been a most noticeable
feature, has been the improved condition of children suffering from
various catarrhal conditions of the ear, nose or throat following
their enforced prolonged absence from school ; and it is reasonable
to assume that lack of re-infection due to their not having been
grouped together in class-rooms, on the one hand, and on the other,
increased facilities for being out in the open air of the streets and
parks, have jointly been responsible for this effect. It would seem
to show that four walls and a roof, however well ventilated, are
from certain points of view essentially unhealthy.
It is urged that as much as possible be made of every hour of
daylight and sunshine, to build up the greatest possible resistance
for next winter against a probable severe influenzal type of
epidemic, due partly to black-out, alterations in diet, and general
strain.
It has now been arranged to keep in hospital those children
requiring removal of tonsils and adenoids for one night before
operation, and for two nights afterwards.
One slight apparent disadvantage of this system will be
examined during the coming year, and either substantiated or
disproved.