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The numbers of children tested this year are very similar to those of last year, but the number
found to have a hearing loss is less: 427 in 1971, 467 in 1970.
Part II
SPECIALIST SERVICES
AUDIOMETRY
The routine audiometry service was continued as in previous years with the Audiometer
Operator working on a part-time basis of three days per week. Investigations were continued in
junior and infant departments of primary schools.

The 427 children were referred for examination by the school doctors with the following
results:
34 were found to have normal hearing on clinical testing
219 were noted for re-examination
3 were referred to hospital
60 were referred to family doctors
10 were referred to Audiology Units
48 were already attending hospital
11 were already attending Audiology Units
4 had left the area
38 were still under observation
CHILD GUIDANCE CLINICS
I am grateful to Dr. R. P. M. Urquhart, Medical Director for the following report:
The year has been one of consolidation. Clinical work proceeded, complemented by discussion
and the presentation of papers by clinic staff at our weekly conferences. A particularly
successful meeting with staff of neighbouring clinics was held at Meadow School through the
kindness of Mr. Everett, Headmaster. Papers were read by Dr. Urquhart, Mrs. Zadik and Miss
Reynolds, and a lively discussion followed on the subject of school phobia.
A welcome trend has been a greater readiness of both parents to be involved in the processes
of assessment and further treatment. This must reflect an increased recognition among the general
public of the nature of children's emotional difficulties and that they are often a family problem.
A limited but larger number than before of families have been seen altogether for treatment where
this has been appropriate for the family's needs.
Consultation for people working in related professional fields has been provided as in the
past by the psychiatrist and psychiatric social workers, and has proved mutually rewarding as
well as beneficial to the children concerned.
The difficulties of working in the present premises have increased with the increased staff
working here, although the establishment is not completely filled, and would need, as previously
indicated, the addition of a further part-time consultant or senior registrar for whom currently
there is no available accommodation.
The increased pressure on secretarial help mentioned in the report for 1970 has not diminished,
and the needs of the clinics are simply not being met, as shown, for example, by the impossibility
Number of children tested
6,795
Number found to have normal hearing
6,368
Number found to have a hearing loss
427
142