View report page

34
The number of children suffering from and under treatment
for middle ear disease ("Running Ears") was slightly greater than
in the previous year—152 against 145—but the number on the
Register at the end of the year was less—157 compared with 200.
My suggestion in last year's report, that the part time services
of a Specialist would well repay the expense involved, was not
considered, and I again draw your attention to the fact that our
treatment of Otorrhœa is not so satisfactory or as efficient as is
possible.
The disease is a loathsome one in its manifestations, the source
of a great amount of permanent deafness and consequent physical
disability in after life; it is at all times dangerous—many of the
sufferers die from a resulting septic Meningitis—and only under
the best modern methods of treatment can its chronic course be
cut short or really satisfactory results obtained.
The ear discharges from a number of our children were found
to contain Diphtheria Bacilli, and as a matter of precaution and
owing to the home conditions six children were removed to the
Isolation Hospital for varying periods.
The Hospital expenses incurred for these children would have
probably covered the cost of the part time services of an Aural
Specialist.
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids in children who contract Measles
or Scarlatina are responsible for more cases of Otorrhœa than any
other cause and the removal of these growths is very often
followed by the cessation of the discharge.
Under our existing arrangements with the Dispensary 173
children were operated on for the removal of Tonsils and Adenoids,
2 for Tonsils and 18 for Adenoids.
A Sanitary survey of the home conditions of all these children
was made prior to the operation, and the children were visited by a
School Nurse subsequently.
Four operations were carried out at Brookfield Hospital and
12 children have not yet been dealt with owing to overcrowding
and unsuitable home conditions.
By perusal of the official and other tables in the Report a good
estimate can be obtained of the medical and other work carried out
during the year and the changes taking place in our School population.