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15
disorganised. One session a week has been retained for those
children who have remained in the district. The other fortnightly
session has had to be suspended. The attendance at the clinic
during the war has been very good, especially since the medical
inspection in the schools has been resumed.
"The total number of cases seen at the clinic in 1939 was 324,
as against 484 in 1938.
"A very large number of children was evacuated before the
prescribed course of treatment was completed, which accounts for
the high percentage shown in the returns of 'lapsed' treatment,
'left, or lost sight of.'
"We have, however, been able to make a good start with the
new conservative treatment of tonsils known as Peter's Suction
Method, and this work is being carried on satisfactorily, though in
diminished numbers at the present time. Twenty-eight cases of
definitely enlarged and diseased tonsils were treated by suction
during the year. Although this is far below the numbers we had
hoped to do, still we are satisfied that the results achieved in this
group of cases are highly satisfactory and encouraging and warrant
this new method being widely used for school children. Only 14
cases were referred for operation as against 30 in 1938. The
numbers of cases of enlarged tonsils being referred for operation are
being steadily reduced, and it is hoped that the suction method
will obviate operation in the large majority of cases. It has many
advantages over operation.
"The other special treatments such as zinc ionisation for
otorrhoea, displacement for sinus defections and diastolisation for
nasal conditions have all been continued. 48 cases were treated by
zinc ionisation with over 90 per cent. cures. 12 were treated by
displacement, and in every case the antrum was found, after a
course of treatment, clear of muco-pus.
"The special audiometric examination of school children
generally has had to be curtailed to those attending the aural
clinic only. Also the Deaf School cases have been removed from
this area which has disorganised the help of the modern electrical
aids to hearing established in the Deaf School.
"The arrangement for the supply of special tonics, medicines,
cod liver oil, etc., to suitable cases, has been continued, and is a
valuable adjunct to the treatment prescribed at the Clinic.
"The general work of the clinic is proceeding satisfactorily and
the attendance is good."