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139
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.—The Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic was started
in May, 1937, under the charge of Mr. Myles Formby, Consultant and Laryngologist
to the Woolwich War Memorial Hospital, as Consultant. Dr. F. Smith, one of the
Council's assistant medical officers, took charge of the routine work of the clinic.
The total number of sessions held during the year was 52, the total number of
attendances was 1,217.
Mr. Myles Formby resigned on giving up his appointment at the War Memorial
Hospital, and his successor, Mr. S. E. Birdsall, agreed to act as Consultant. I
am indebted to Mr. Birdsall for the following observations on the year's working:—
"As Table No. 80 shows, there has been an increase of new cases from
218 to 358.
Many of the children seen with enlarged tonsils and adenoids were considered,
on examination, to be suffering from infection in the nasal sinuses,
and are now classified under the heading of Caterrhal sinusitis.
The Table illustrates the great importance of careful examination of the
whole of the upper respiratory tract before deciding on the removal of tonsils
and adenoids in children. Out of a total of 364 cases with upper respiratory
tract infections, it was considered advisable to remove the tonsils and adenoids
in only 85."
Provision of Maternity Outfits.—Since 1930 sterilised maternity outfits
have been supplied free, half cost or at cost price to expectant mothers, on application
by a midwife or a doctor. The cost of the service each year has varied between
£13 and £22. The London County Council as part of their salaried midwives scheme
arranged to provide such outfits free of charge to all patients employing L.C.C.
midwives.
In these circumstances the Borough Council decided at the end of January
that such outfits should be provided free of charge to all expectant mothers in the
borough, who required them and who were not being attended by L.C.C. midwives.
During the year 120 applications were received and 119 outfits were supplied
The total cost to the Council was £35 14s. Od.