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89
Two hundred and forty cases were referred to the various
hospitals for Specialists' advice and treatment, 175 of this number
being Ear, Nose and Throat cases.
A striking feature of these figures is an increase, compared
with the previous year, in the number of children referred for an
Ear. Nose and Throat Specialist's opinion, the total being, in fact,
the largest since 1953. A proportion of this increase can be
attributed to cases discovered as a result of the Audiometer tests
in schools, and a further proportion to the normal year to year
fluctuation of any statistical figure. It is also possible that some
of these cases represent an aftermath of the exceptional measles
epidemic of 1955.
Also worthy of comment is the number of children examined
in connection with their Intelligence Quotients. This work is
exacting and time consuming, and consists of far more than the
simple administration of an intelligence scale. Largely concerned
with the handicapped pupil, it is of inestimable value in ensuring
that these children derive full benefit from the various resources
available for their special education and welfare.
MINOR AILMENTS.
A total of 2,962 attendances were made at the various clinics
for the treatment of minor ailments by the School Nurses. Attendances
at these clinics have shewn a rise during the year when
compared with 1955, and this can only be attributed to the increase
in the number of miscellaneous ailments treated.
Any child attending the clinic and requiring medical advice
is either referred to his own private doctor or to the clinic doctors
at their visits.
Although these clinics are concerned with the treatment of
such simple conditions as minor cuts and abrasions, verrucas and
other common skin diseases, it is true to say that their underlying
purpose is preventive. Some of these minor conditions may not
remain trivial if neglected, and in other cases, early and effective
treatment may prevent cross-infection.
AUDIOMETRY.
Reference was made in my report for 1955 to the hearing tests
which were being carried out in Bromley schools, and further
progress has been made this year, when a total of 3,349 children
(including 341 children attending independent schools) were
examined with the pure tone audiometer. Nearly threequarters
of this total were children in the age group 7-11 years, and indeed
the great majority of pupils of this age attending Bromley schools