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112
Artificial Sunlight Clinic.— This Clinic was opened in October, 1927. The
total number of patients treated during the year, including 100 whose course of
treatment was not completed at the end of 1931, was 499. The total number of treatments
given was 9,314; of these 6,728 were by carbon arc, 2,147 by mercury vapour
lamp, and 439 by radiant heat lamp.
The clinic is under the medical supervision of Dr. J. E. A. Lynham, who has
furnished the following report on the year's work:—
"The figures for the Sunlight Clinic for the past year again show an increase,
not only in the total number of attendances but in the number of new patients
received. The increase has been mainly amongst children suffering from general
debility or from rickets, and may be attributed to the general depression and the
relative lack of sunlight during the year.
"The very efficient service of medical officers now established has resulted in the
selection of a large number of patients for treatment in early stages of disease, thus
enabling satisfactory results to be obtained in a comparatively short time. It will
be noted, however, that whereas the number recorded as cured is not high, the
number of new cases still under treatment is considerable, and many of these have
already shown great improvement. Most of those appearing with septic conditions
have been cured, and those suffering from skin diseases have responded satisfactorily.
"The response of catarrhal children has not been so good, apparently owing
to the widespread epidemics which occurred in the latter part of the year, and the
number of cases with enlargement of the cervical glands may be attributed in part
to the same cause.
"A number of expectant mothers have also attended the Clinic, and the majority
have shown a general improvement in health.
"Efforts have been made to supply the poorer children with vitamin-containing
foods where their circumstances are restricted.
"The general conduct of the treatment has not been altered, the carbon arc and
mercury vapour lamps being used as before, and the radiant heat lamp proving of
considerable use in the treatment of the younger children.
"Particular care is taken to refer children suffering from obvious diseases, such
as enlarged tonsils or physical deformities, to special clinics for opinion and treatment,
and patients are referred to the War Memorial Hospital for X-ray examination where
it is thought desirable.
"In most instances where treatment has been discontinued at the wish of the
parents it has been owing to their removal from the district. The increasing number
of attendances is evidence that the Clinic is performing useful service."