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The child's health, family history and environmental conditions are discussed with the parents.
Consultations with specialists are arranged and up-to-date reports from hospitals obtained, non-rheumatic
conditions are investigated, advice on sport and physical training given and convalescent treatment arranged.
A history of rheumatism is significant. One-third of the children who attended the clinic gave a
history of rheumatism and more than half of them suffered from the disease.
Dampness and rheumatism are also closely related. One-third of the children who attended live in
damp houses and 3 out of 4 were found to be suffering from the disease. The damp conditions were
remedied through the Public Health Department.
Rheumatism also occurs more frequently amongst children from the lower social income groups.
4 out of 5 children who attended came from social groups IV and V.
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE (Table 99)
There was an increase in the number of Dental Officers from an average of 5 in 1955 to an average
of 5£ in 1956.
The School Dental Service is responsible for inspecting and treating children who attend maintained
schools. Children should be inspected every year and preferably every 6 months.
In 1949, owing to shortage of accommodation and difficulty in recruiting Dental Officers, only onethird
of the school population were inspected and offered treatment, so that, in general, children were being
inspected only once in three years and treatment was, therefore, not satisfactory.
In February, 1952, a restricted scheme was introduced to deal yearly with children up to 9 years
of age (approximately 10,000 children) in order to prevent dental decay which would only lead to more work
in the future.
This scheme proved successful and in June, 1956, it was possible to raise the age limit in the restricted
scheme to thirteen years of age (approximately 18,000 children).
In 1956, of all the children inspected both at clinics and at schools 71% required treatment and 43%
accepted treatment.
In the course of the year 164 evening sessions were carried out by full time Dental Officers.
PRIORITY DENTAL SERVICE (Table 100)
In 1956, 13% of the Dental Officers' time was spent in treatment of the priority groups.
The number of expectant mothers and nursing mothers treated in the year is practically the same as
in 1955. There was an increase in the number of children under five inspected in the year but fewer required
treatment than in 1955. Every opportunity is taken to explain the value of early and regular treatment to
mothers.
The ratio of fillings to extractions in the whole priority service is 2.3:1 and in the children under
five 2.5: —. An average of 2-9 conservations are carried out for each child treated.
CHIROPODY (Tables 101 and 102)
There was a marked increase in attendance for Chiropody during 1956 particularly by Expectant
and Nursing Mothers.
Many young children between the ages of 11 and 15 years develop foot deformities through wearing
casual shoes. Children's feet should be inspected when they first start school and again when they are about
11 or 12 years, because many deformities begin to develop at this age.
A large number of children under five have been treated for conditions of their nails mainly on
account of their shoes being too narrow, advice on shoes is always given. Much is being done to prevent
foot troubles by Exhibitions in the Clinics and talks in the Schools.
Proper fittings should be obtained from qualified assistants in shops. Many toe-nail conditions
develop when the shoes are not fitted properly.
Warts on the feet are prevalent amongst children attending for treatment. They are very painful
if left untreated, and can spread from one person to another. Parents sometimes mistake them for corns.
They should be treated early like all foot ailments.
HOME SAFETY
The Willesden Home Safety Committee was foimed in November, 1956. It is a voluntary Committee
which has the support of both the Willesden Borough Council and the Middlesex County Council. The
Willesden Council has made a grant of £100 to the funds of this Committee.
The aim of the Committee is to reduce the number of accidents which occur in the homes in Willesden
each year, mostly affecting children under 5 years and people over 65 years of age.
The terms of reference of the Committee are:—
(a) To carry on a continual propaganda campaign locally to inform the public of the extent and
gravity of the home accident problem.
(b) To enlist the support of all interested municipal and social organisations for this campaign.
(c) To investigate local home accident cases and their causes.
(d) To investigate possible remedies.
(e) To participate in the National Home Safety campaign by appointing a representative to serve on
the National Home Safety Committee which meets quarterly in London and/or to make use of
this Committee by reporting progress and sending forward resolutions dealing with matters of
home safety.
The Committee is affiliated to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
22 organisations are represented on the Committee, so ensuring that a large proportion of the public
will be reached and made home-safety conscious.