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27
Comment on Figures for 1945 and 1946.
The numbers referred were approximately equal in the two
years, 168 in 1945 and 170 in 1946. The Diagnostic waiting lists
were closed for approximately three months in 1946, owing to
the pressure of work. Had this not been necessary the 1946 figures
would probably have been in the region of 200.
There was a big increase in the amount of diagnostic work
done during 1946.
An effort was made to deal with the large numbers awaiting
diagnosis, and the waiting list by December, 1946, was considerably
less than in December, 1945. Nearly three times as many new
children were seen in 1946. This was largely due to the increased
psychiatric time being used for diagnostic work.
Table II shows the figures for the two years.
One result of the increased diagnostic work has been that the
treatment waiting list has grown, because as more children are
seen, more are known to need treatment.
The treatment position is still unsatisfactory, as is seen from
Table II, where 27 cases are still awaiting treatment on December
31st, 1946.
The Clinic is still understaffed, as far as treatment is concerned.
So far it has not been possible to obtain a Play Therapist for the
authorised five sessions per week, which would ease the position
generally and assist those patients in need of such treatment. As
long as the difficulty of staffing remains there is risk of these cases
breaking down or of not being helped.
Cases should be taken on as soon as possible after being seen
as if not the position changes, the child's condition deterioriates,
the parents become dissatisfied, and the reputation of the Clinic
suffers.
Many cases dealt with by supervision and advice or diagnosis
and advice could have benefited from some form of treatment, but
it was found impossible to give all the help that was needed. The
figures therefore represent a compromise between the service needed
and that available.
Closed Cases.
The state of closed cases, Table I, is, we feel, fairly satisfactory,
considering that only the more serious cases are taken on for regular
interviews.
The number of cases closed (eighteen during the whole year)
is not so satisfactory. This is largely due to the lack of available
treatment facilities.