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School Medical Inspection which had been discontinued as from 19th May, 1939, was recommenced
at the end of 1940.
30 medical examinations and 41 special and re-examinations were carried out during the year
1940.
No medical defects were found amongst the scholars submitted to routine medical inspection.
The Middlesex County Council's scheme of treatment of scholars suffering from defective
vision at the Willesden Council's Health Centres, and also that of dental inspection and treatment by
the Council's dental staff, have been continued. 109 pupils were dentally inspected during the year,
101 were found to require treatment and 75 were treated at the Willesden Council's Dental Clinics.
317 attendances were made at the Clinics during the year for Medical and Dental Treatment.
REPORTS OF SPECIALISTS ATTACHED TO THE COUNCIL'S HEALTH CENTRES.
Eye Department.—Mr. B. R. Medlycott, m.b.b.s., m.r.c.s., l.r.c.p., d.o.m.s., Ophthalmic
Surgeon to the Council reports as follows:—
During the war the number of weekly sessions has been greatly reduced, but the normal
routine is being followed with an optician in attendance at each session.
One fact that is particularly noteworthy is the surprisingly low incidence of cases of conjunctivitis,
blepharitis, and corneal ulcer, in spite of the difficulties of war-time feeding, and shelter life
It is greatly to be regretted that plans for the development of an Orthoptic Department have
been delayed, but it is hoped that this very useful addition to the ophthalmic services provided by
the Health Centres will become available in the post war era.
Mental Health.—In February, 1940, Dr. Reginald Lightwood, a consulting physician for
children, began attending at Health Centres I and II to advise upon psychological problems in children.
He has treated patients with abnormalities of behaviour, such as extreme disobedience, stealing,
lying, truancy, etc.
But for a few instances in which the parents were unwilling to co-operate, the results have
been very satisfactory. Dr. Lightwood's belief is that many of these problems are much less
complicated than others have thought and the adjustment of the parents' handling is usually
sufficient to meet the situation.
Enuresis is the commonest malady seen at the clinic ; nearly all such cases have been relieved.
There have also been cases with faecal incontinence, which are not more difficult to treat than
enuresis. Cases with habit spasm and stuttering have responded.
The method followed is to obtain the confidence of both parent and child, to explain situations,
to reassure the anxious and to employ non-hypnotic suggestion. This line of approach seems justified
by the results.
Skin Department.—H. Haldin-Davis, m.d., f.r.c.p., f.r.c.s.
Orthopaedic Department.—J. A. Cholmeley, f.r.c.s.
Ear, Nose and Throat Department.—g. H. Livingstone, f.r.c.s.
The work of these departments has continued uneventfully throughout the year.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
Meals have been provided at the Council's Feeding Centres throughout the year.
On 17th April, 1939, the Council opened a fifth feeding centre with seating accommodation
for 250 in Percy Road, Kilburn. This Centre provides both breakfasts and dinners on seven days
a week. The Voluntary Feeding Centre in South Kilburn was closed when the Percy Road Centre
opened.
After approximately half the Willesden School Children were sent to reception areas at the end
of August, 1939, and the Schools closed, the one-third of a pint of milk previously given in School
to all children receiving free meals was thereafter served in the feeding centres with the midday meal.
83,504 meals were supplied in 1940.