London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Heston and Isleworth 1921

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]

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Their treatment necessitates daily careful work which can only
be carried out properly by a nurse. In many of these cases the
conditions are long standing and there is already infection of the
mastoid cells and nothing short of a fairly severe operation is
going to permanently cure the condition. So long as this
condition persists, the child is always in danger, in that any
minute, any further extension of the disease to the upper plate
of bone covering the inner ear, may lead to suppuration within
the brain cavity and death.
The number given 28, does not by any means exhibit the
total number of cases existing in the school, as a large number
with a small amount of discharge, regard the matter of no
importance and are not discovered until Routine or Medical
Inspection, or some complaint brings the matter to notice. A
very large proportion of these cases suffering from ear trouble,
can be cured in the early stage by ionization, but unfortunately,
treatment is not available in the district, and it is difficult to
induce many of the parents to take their children into the centre
of London, as owing to the present prevailing unemployment,
they cannot afford the necessary fare.
Eye Disease.
17 cases of Eye Disease have been treated at the Schol Clinics.
These have been chiefly Conjunctivitis, Blepharatis, with some
Phylctenular and Corneal Ulcers, and suppurative conditions of the
lids.
Tonsils and Adenoids.
Out of 100 children referred for treatment, 23 received treatment
either privately or through a hospital, whilst 23 were treated under
the Education Authority's scheme. Arrangements have now been
made whereby children requiring operative treatment for enlarged
tonsils and adenoids can obtain this at one of the local hospitals,
the Education Committee accepting responsibility for the fee.
Re-payments are claimed from the parents in accordance with the
following scale:—