View report page

Whilst most of the children for whom sunlight treatment is prescribed are
suffering from lowered vitality caused by debilitating environmental factors or acute
illness, those requiring exercises or simple manipulation may be suffering from
orthopaedic disabilities requiring skilled individual attention.
Development Clinic . The Development Clinic as described in the last Annual
Report and started in October, 1958, has been held throughout the year, and has
progressed as was envisaged. The enthusiasm and co-operation shown by Dr. Hinden, our
Consultant Paediatrician, who has attended many of the sessions, has added not only to
the effectiveness of the work, but to the interest of the staff. The children no longer
need to be referred to another clinic for paediatric advice, and the team of doctors
and health visitors present are able jointly to consider the needs of the child and his
family from the clinical, social and administrative aspects.
No. of sessions 13
No. of children seen 34
No. of new cases 26
No. of old cases 8
No. of attendances 52
Analysis of new cases:
Severely retarded (not mongol) 6
Retarded 8
Mongol 7
Cerebral palsy 2
Spina bifida 2
Epileptic 1
26
Mothers, and fathers too, have taken full advantage of the invitation to attend,
and have shown great eagerness to understand the child's disabilities and to get
information about his future care, training or education.
Handicapped Pre-school Children
At the end of the year there were 69 pre-school children under special observation
on account of disease or abnormality, some of whom will eventually be ascertained as
handicapped pupils. A few are ascertained under the age of 5 years, so that they may
attend the nursery class of a special school. Those who are not at school, and not yet
attending the Development Clinic are visited frequently. The health visitors send reports
to the senior medical officer and discuss the children's progress with her. Many are
attending hospital, and up to date reports are obtained. When it is considered that
attendance at the Development Clinic would help, and would be acceptable, invitation is
sent. Whenever possible the district health visitor is present at the first interview;
in fact she often calls for the mother, who then has the support of someone she already knows.
Ascertained Not Ascertained Total
Age 4-5 years 5 17 22
" 3-4 " 3 18 21
" 2-3 " 2 10 12
" 1-2 " - 9 9
" under 1 year - 5 5
10 59 .69
68