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months was finally cleared and it then became possible for the Dental Officer
to visit a school to inspect the teeth of all children and arrange treatment
sa equired. Visits to other schools will be arranged whenever possible.
Specialist Services
The Orthopaedic and Ophthalmic services became the entire responsibility
of the Regional Hospital Board on 1st April, 1952. The sessions for
schoolchildren, however, continue to be held at the local clinic and are
regularly visited by an Ophthalmologist and Orthopaedic Surgeon.
A Physiotherapist attends at the clinic for 3 half days a week to give
remedial exercises.
5 Poliomyelitis
Three children (all girls) of school age contracted this disease. At the
of the year, two were still in hospital; the other one, who had no
disability, had resumed attendance at school.
6 Diphtheria Immunisation
Immunisation sessions have been held at intervals throughout the year.
the distribution of propaganda leaflets to all new entrants to infant schools
has been continued and serves as a useful reminder to parents of young
children of the need to have their children immunised.
7 Tonsils and Adenoids
There is still a very long waiting list for this type of operation. In
this Borough it varies from 6 months to 2 years.
8 B.C.G.
In my report for last year, I referred to the investigation being carried
out in conjunction with the Medical Research Council to determine the
value of B.C.G., an anti-tuberculosis vaccine, with a view to its general
use throughout Britain. The first part of the scheme (initial tuberculin
testing, X-raying and inoculation of selected volunteers) having been completed
in January, 1952, the second stage, to follow up the volunteers by
regular inspection, has commenced and will be continued for another two
years. Valuable work is being done in this investigation by the Health
Visitors; they visit the home of each volunteer twice a year and generally
assi the Physician in charge of the trials when the unit is visiting this
Borough.
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