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21
RHEUMATISM (Tables 90-91)
The Rheumatism Clinic for the whole area continued to be held in the new clinic at Pound Lane.
Rheumatism can be a serious disease requiring prolonged treatment, and unfortunately may result in permanent
heart damage with consequent interference with normal physical activities: children so affected may have to
attend a special school for years.
At the Rheumatism Clinic the family history and the environment conditions are investigated, consultations
with specialists are arranged as required, advice is given on physical training and games, and convalescence
is recommended.
17 of the 23 children attending the Clinic during the year were found to belong to Social Group IV
and V.
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE (Table 92)
The number of dental officers remains at 6½, with the equivalent of \ an orthodontist.
In 1952 because of the shortage of staff and accommodation, a restricted scheme was introduced which
dealt with children up to 9 years of age. In 1956, the age limit was raised to 13 years. In February 1958,
because of the opening of the Pound Lane Clinic with two dental surgeries it was found possible to deal with
children of all ages.
During the year, 51 evening sessions were carried out by full-time dental officers.
PRIORITY DENTAL SERVICE (Table 93)
In 1958, eleven per cent of the dental officers' time was spent in the inspection and treatment of the
priority groups.
The number of expectant and nursing mothers treated dropped by 11% to almost the same level as
for 1956 ; the ratio of fillings to extractions was 2.1:1.
Early in the year, arrangements were made to provide a routine inspection for children under five
who attend the welfare centres.
The average number of conservations (fillings and silver nitrate dressings) per child treated was 3.47
and the ratio of fillings to extractions was 2.9:1.
Advice continued to be given on matters of oral hygiene and diet, and the value of early and regular
treatment was stressed.
CHIROPODY SERVICE (Table 94)
Much time has been spent in the important task of correcting minor foot deformities in young children.
In many instances early treatment may contribute towards the prevention of severe deformities in later life.
All too often simple advice on correctly fitting footwear is all that is required. Shoes must fit snugly
round the heel, ankle and instep, and the widest part of the foot should come at the widest part of the shoe.
Unfortunately, today's fashions in girl's shoes do not allow for the natural function of the foot. Fashions and
footwear are the basis of the foot problem.
There has also been an urgent demand for the treatment of minor lesions such as corns, ingrowing
toenails, and foot infections. The incidence of plantar warts, which is a virus infection, has increased to
almost epidemic proportions in recent years.
Health education has again played an important part in the chiropodist's work. There has been an
increase in the number of talks on 'care of the feet' to school children, and also to expectant mothers at their
mothercraft classes.
Provision has been made for promoting healthy feet among school children; the chiropody service
is not only remedial, but with parents' co-operation is preventative.