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22
Ophthalmic Clinics.
School children selected by the school medical officers when seen
either at the school inspection or at the minor ailment clinic can be
referred to the surgeon at the ophthalmic clinic who holds sessions at
Marlborough Hill on the mornings of Tuesdays and Fridays and at the
Alexandra Avenue Clinic on Thursday mornings. Only those who have
an appointment can be seen, any new cases being referred in the first
instance to be seen by the school medical officer at one of the minor ailment
clinics.
One of the changes brought about by the National Health Service
was that it is no longer permissible for children under school age to be
treated by the ophthalmic surgeon. Instead, these children have now to
be advised to attend their own doctors, just as are any other members of
the public who need attention for their eyes, being referred by them to
ophthalmic surgeons or to opticians.
During the year, the Regional Hospital Board took over its responsibility
for the medical staffing of these clinics, which means that they
now find the ophthalmic surgeons and the necessary locums to replace
them.
During the year, a whole-time orthoptist was appointed to work at
the Marlborough Hill clinic; her work is by exercises to straighten
squinting eyes.
Child Guidance Centre.
The same arrangements at the Child Guidance Centre (formerly the
Child Guidance Clinic) at 2, St. John's Road, Harrow, have continued,
though the Regional Hospital Board has now accepted responsibility for
the medical staffing of the Centre.
Speech Clinic.
The Speech Clinic formerly maintained at No. 2, St. John's Road,
was transferred during the year to the Marlborough Hill Clinic. Those
attending are nearly all school children referred to Miss Clayton, the
speech therapist, either by the school medical officers or by the head
teachers.
Dental Treatment.
Dental treatment, apart from that provided under the National
Health Service Act, is available for certain priority sections of the public,
namely, school children, children under five and expectant and nursing
mothers.
The service is under the administration of the area dental officer,
Mr. A. G. Brown.
There are dental surgeries at five premises, namely, 76, Marlborough
Hill, Elmwood Avenue clinic, Alexandra Avenue clinic, Roxeth clinic,
and Honeypot Lane clinic.