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71
Routine Medical Examination of New Entrants.
37 new entrants have been examined during the last 8 months. Of these:—
11 were between 2 and 3 years of age.
8 „ 3 and 4 ,, ,,
15 4 and 5
3 were over 5 years of age.
Most of the children enrolled this year in the Nursery Class were, therefore, again between
4 and 5 years of age, but there was an increase in the number coming between 2 and 3 years of age
(11 as against 7 last year.)
Attendance of Parents at the Medical Inspections.
22 mothers out of a possible number of 33 (4 examined were Home children) attended the
Inspections. 1 sent a note saying that she had not come in case she would upset the child. 3 Grandmothers
and 1 Aunt deputised for parents who could not come. The Guardian came in the case of
another child. This is a good attendance as many of the mothers go out daily to work.
Cleanliness.—The standard of cleanliness of hair, skin and clothing was again well maintained,
none of the children being excluded on account of uncleanliness at the quarterly Cleanliness Inspections
of the Health Visitor.
General Physique.—
(a) Of the 11 children between 2 and 3 years of age, 6 were underweight, but all were
up to, or above, the standard height.
(b) Of the 8 children between 3 and 4 years of age, 3 were underweight, 1 of whom
was also undersized.
(c) Of the 15 children between 4 and 5 years of age, 9 were underweight, but all up to,
or above, the average height.
(d) The 3 children 5 years old were all underweight but tall for their age.
This, therefore, shows that while 1 only was undersized, 21 were underweight.
When weighed and measured some months later all had gained weight, except 1 who had
lost. The loss was attributed to an attack of Whooping Cough, and when examined she was found to
have Enlarged Tonsils with Double Otorrhœa. She is now awaiting tonsillectomy. All were taller
except 2, both of whom had, however, gained weight. 1 had been referred for Enlarged Tonsils
and has since had tonsillectomy. The other had carious teeth which have since been attended to.
She is also waiting to have her tonsils removed.
Defects found at Routine Medical Inspection.
34 of the 37 new Entrants examined were found to be suffering from one or more defects.
(1) Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids.—23 children were found to have some degree of tonsillar
enlargement, carious teeth being found associated in 10 cases, Bronchial Catarrh in 3 cases, Enuresis
in 1 case and Otorrhcea in another. 5 children have since had tonsillectomy. 1 is now awaiting
the operation. 2 have been referred for an opinion to the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. 5
parents wish to postpone the operation until the children are older, while 2 have definitely refused to
have it. Of the remaining 8 cases which were put under observation, 3 have been re-examined twice,
of which 2 were still slight and apparently symptomless, while the 3rd now requires an operation.
(2) Defective Teeth.—15 were found to have dental caries of which 10 were associated with
Enlarged Tonsils, 1 with Blepharitis, 1 with Otorrhoea and 1 with Bronchial Catarrh. 5 have since
come to the Health Centre and had treatment, while 1 is at present attending.
(3) Bony Deformities.—A slight degree of Knock-knee was noted in 3 cases, all of whom were
debilitated. The general health is being treated, and the bony condition kept under observation.
1 has been already re-examined, and shows improvement. The 4th case (Genu Valgum 1 inch) was
referred to the Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Health Centre, and is being treated there.
(4) Respiratory Conditions.—2 children were found to have Bronchial Catarrh, and 1 Bronchitis.
All 3 cleared up under treatment, and were all associated with Enlarged Tonsils. 1 has had tonsillectomy,
while the other is being kept under observation. The parent of the 3rd child wishes to
postpone the operation until she is older.
(5) Cardiac Affections.—2 children were found to have apical systolic bruits. There was no
history of Rheumatism. In both cases some degree of anaemia was present which is being treated.
(6) Otorrhcea.'—3 children were found to have Running Ears. All cleared up under treatment
at the Health Centre. 1 with Double Otorrhcea was found to have Enlarged Tonsils, and he is now
awaiting operation. Another had already had tonsillectomy, but his teeth were noted to be carious,
and he has now had dental treatment.