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Special Observation/Handicap Register
A register of children who are known to have a handicapping condition or who are
regarded as being at special risk of developing a handicap that could impede or deflect
their normal development continues to be maintained. Names for inclusion on the register
are drawn from many sources including birth notification, hospital discharge reports and
reports direct from health visitors and child health doctors.
At the end of the year, 223 children under five years of age had been identified as
requiring special observation whilst 226 children had a definite physical, mental or
emotional handicap.

Child Health Clinics
At the end of the year, there were 12 child health clinics. (For location of clinics
etc. see map inside the cover at the end of the report). One clinic had 5 sessions a week,
two had 3 sessions a week, 7 had two sessions a week, 2 had one session a week.
To augment the above the arrangement made with Surrey County Council for the
use of its mobile clinic was continued. Five sessions in alternate weeks were held at sites
in Hampton, Twickenham and Whitton.
For details of attendances etc. during the year, see page 21.
Developmental Assessments
All children attending the child health clinics are examined at regular intervals to
assess their progress and to advise parents on particular aspects of development and management.
Many family doctors are also including this examination in their own child
health sessions and where necessary children are referred for further specialist opinion.
Dental Treatment — Expectant and Nursing Mothers and Young Children
Mr. G. H. Tucker, L.D.S. R.C.S., Chief Dental Officer, reports as follows:—
The number of attendances and the amount of treatment given during the year are
shown in Tables I and II below. Comparative figures for 1971 are also indicated.