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Although these arrangements are entirely satisfactory, especially
from the point of view of convenience to the patients, I have to
report that early in the year the Regional Hospital Board notified
their intention of transferring the orthopaedic service to the outpatients
department at Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone. This
proposal was vigorously opposed by the County Council and I am
phased to report that the Regional Hospital Board eventually agreed
to the present arrangement being continued.
Poliomyelitis
Four children of school age contracted this disease during 1953.
None suffered any severe disability and all were able to resume
attendance at their usual school.
Diphtheria Immunisation.
It was considered advisable to suspend immunisation during the
Period when poliomyelitis was prevalent in the area. The immunisation
of schoolchildren at Local Authority clinics was therefore discontinued
for practically the whole of the Autumn term. However,
despite this setback, a good response was received from parents following
receipt of a propaganda leaflet distributed by the Head
Teachers, urging them to have their child immunised. Many took
their child to their own general practitioner.
Tonsils and Adenoids.
The waiting list of children in need of operative treatment for
the removal of their tonsils and/or adenoids has continued to grow
throughout the year. The position has been worsened by the cessation
of this type of operation at hospitals in the area due to the incidence
of poliomyelitis. However, I understand that every effort is being
made to provide additional sessions at hospitals to deal with this
type of case.
B.C.G. Vaccination.
The Medical Research Council's Tuberculosis Unit again visited
Woodford for the purpose of X-raying and skin testing those volunteers
(nearly all of whom have left school) who are participating in
the Council's investigation into the value of B.C.G., an anti-tuberculosis
vaccine. In addition to the X-ray and skin test, the Health
Visitor/School Nurse visited every volunteer during the year to
record any changes in his or her employment and any illnesses since
the date of the last examination.
Mass Miniature Radiography
The Mass Miniature Radiography Unit visited Wanstead and
Woodford in December. By arrangement with the Unit's organiser,
separate sessions were devoted to the examination of school children
of the age of 14 years and over.
At the time of writing this report the detailed results of these
examinations are not available.
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