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Handicapped Children.
An endeavour is made to detect "Handicapped" children at an early age and to
co-ordinate the services and the efforts of the various people interested in these
children. The following table shows the numbers of children under 5 years referred
to the Senior Assistant Medical Officer and placed on a register of "potentially
handicapped". Of these 18 have actually beennascertained".
Aged 4-5 years 19
" 3 - 4 " 25
" 2 - 3 " 13
" 1 - 2 " 11
" Under 1 year
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A child is referred to the School Health Service with a view to possible
ascertainment, when it is thought to be to his advantage, or when the parents request
it. The Health Visitor who knows the child on her district is given the opportunity
to attend the medical examination at which ascertainment is considered.
The opening of a Spastic Unit with a nursery class for children over 2 years,
and facilities for daily physiotherapy for children under 2 years, should encourage the
early detection of children who will benefit from such education and treatment. 3 West
Ham children under 5 years were admitted during 1954.
The increased attention given to the detection of deafness has already been
mentioned and it is hoped to train Health Visitors to give routine "screening" tests to
all children attending child welfare centres. 6 West Ham children are in the nursery
class at the School for the Deaf.
The Educational Psychologist has given invaluable help in examining pre-school
children who show retardation in their mental development, and in advising parents on
their management.
Welfare Foods.
In accordance with instructions contained in Ministry of Health Circular No.10/54,
the responsibility for the local distribution of welfare foods was transferred from the
Ministry of Food to the Local Health Authority on 28th June, 1954, as part of their duties
under the National Health Service.
The needs of the area have been met by the continuation of existing arrangements
for these foods to be supplied from the Child Welfare Centres, the Public Hall, Canning
Town, the local W.V.S. Headquarters and from the Silvertown Library premises, which meant
that no new premises were required. There were problems to be overcome in relation to
storage, transport and staffing. Three clinic clerks were, however, changed from part-time
to full-time work and two additional full-time appointments were made on a temporary basis.
Although the time available was very limited, the other problems were satisfactorily solved.
The whole of the arrangements will be subject to review after a period of 12 months.
With the co-operation of all concerned, the public did not suffer any inconvenience.
The assistance given by the W.V.S. in providing the staff for this work at their own centre
is greatly appreciated.
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