View report page

112
In recent reports I stressed the importance of periodic examination of the teeth
of young children, and as a result of a scheme which I recently initiated, selected
children are referred to the dental surgeon and their mothers are requested to bring
them at intervals of three months for inspection of their teeth and any treatment
which may be necessary. Since this scheme was commenced in May, 1936, 39
children have attended for examination and treatment, if necessary, and the numbers
are rapidly increasing.
It may be said that this Shoreditch scheme of municipal dental treatment is
almost unique, and that by it the requirements of the pre-school children are very
effectively met.
(g) Artificial Sunlight Treatment.
In the Model Welfare Centre there is an artificial sunlight clinic which is equipped
with two mercury vapour lamps, and sessions are held on six half-days each week.
During 1935, 260 children between the ages of one and five years attended, and the
total number of attendances made by these children was 5,813, the average number
of visits per child being 22.4. These arrangements are sufficient to meet the needs.
(h) Orthopædic Treatment.
Orthopaedic cases are relatively infrequent, and the majority of these are sent
to the Queen's Hospital for Children. During 1935, 14 of these cases were dealt with
in this way.
(i) Convalescent Homes.
At the present time the following facilities are available for the convalescence of
children at homes under the management of :—
(a) The Invalid Children's Aid Association.
(.b) The Association of Infant Welfare Centres (Letchworth).
(c) Other agencies.
In a report presented to the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee some time
ago, I suggested that the Council should establish a municipal convalescent home.
Negotiations for the purchase of suitable premises were initiated.
As a result of special enquiries it was shown that on an average about 75 children
between the ages of one and five years required convalescent treatment per annum,
and, in addition to these children, there was a considerable number who would
profit by convalescent treatment if this were readily available. A more detailed
enquiry which has been in progress since May shows that in six months 18 children
were reported to me as urgently requiring convalescent treatment, and that another
61 children were reported as requiring convalescent treatment as soon as this could be
arranged.
There is no question that adequate facilities are not at present available for convalescent
treatment in respect of children resident in the Borough.