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11
Social Worker, and Educational Psychologist. Perhaps I
might add here that symptoms are merely a signal of some
kind of underlying distress, and do not constitute a
diagnosis. The plan of treatment will depend on a
variety of factors, such as the degree of emotional
disturbance, as well as the capacity for insight and cooperation
of both child and parents. The type of treatment
offered is also dependent on the amount of time
available. Usually treatment is supportive in character
and is directed to removing obstacles which may be
hindering the child's normal development. Psychotherapy
is a more lengthy and intensive form of treatment which
is unfortunately not yet available for many of the cases
which might benefit, owing to lack of psychiatric time
and the absence of Child Therapists.
There is a growing awareness of the need to develop
the more prophylactic aspects of our work. We have
increasing links with Health Visitors, Probation Officers
and Child Care Officers, and I hope that these will be
strengthened. In this connection we hope to develop the
work already started at this clinic by Dr. H.Gillespie
with regard to the children who are under 5 years.
Another relevant problem is the question of selecting
the child who really needs help now because of the risk
of future mental breakdown, rather than the one who has
more "nuisance value" or a greater capacity to arouse
anxiety in others. This is clearly a very difficult
problem to solve, and requires a very close working
relationship between the clinic and the referring
agencies.
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT CLINIC
The weekly Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic has continued under
the clinical charge of Dr. A. Cammock, M.B., B.Ch., D.L.O.
EYE CLINIC
The Clinic continues under the clinical charge of Dr.Hilton
Ho.
The services of a dispensing optician and an orthoptist are
available to patients.
ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC
Mr. K. Dalliwall, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in charge
of the clinic reports that the Orthopaedic Clinic at Hale End
Road continues to deal with a large number of children with conditions
ranging from minor orthopaedic defects to seriously disabling
conditions requiring special care and attention.