View report page

18
During the year a certain number of children were seen giving
a history of sore throats, 'enlarged tonsils,' frequent colds, etc., for
whom tonsillectomy has been suggested. Before tonsillectomy is
resorted to a detailed examination is essential to seek the primary
cause in any nasal-sinus condition that may be present. The point
to remember is that in the presence of certain nasal affections or
sinus disease, left untreated, awaiting tonsillectomy, tonsillectomy
will not cure the condition.
The special clinics of the Local Authorities serve a very useful
purpose for the school population. They are conveniently situated,
locally, and therefore the children can attend for examination
and treatment as required with the minimum loss of school time,
without the inconvenience and risk of long journeys through busy
traffic, and as well, the majority of children come for treatment
without their parents, which is an important consideration to working
parents. The parents appreciate what is being done for their
children at these clinics and on the whole, are very co-operative
in carrying out the advice, recommendations and treatment given.
The usual annual special ear, nose and throat session was held
at the School for the Deaf for the examination and treatment of
those children attending the School. In this school I found that
the children are well cared for and their progress very satisfactory.
I did not find any case of discharging ear amongst those deaf
children. There were certain cases of 'nasal conditions' for whom
appropriate treatment was arranged.
The general health of the children seen at the Aural Clinic
during the year, with a few exceptions, was very good. These
latter might be considered to be below average standard for age,
but their undersize, etc., was not due to any lack of nutrition or
care. Tonics, cod liver oil and malt, etc., are always provided by
the School Health Service where indicated, and are a very great
benefit.
(h) Orthopaedic Scheme.—The Scheme is under the clinical
charge of Mr. B. Whitchurch-Howell, F.R.C.S., Consulting Orthopaedic
Surgeon, assisted by Miss H. Garratt, C.S.P., who has again
given effective and conscientious treatment to her patients.
The following tables show the work done at the clinic :—