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Of the 10 ascertained children 7 were deaf; 3 were physically handicapped, 2 on
account of cerebral palsy, and 1 spina bifida.
The 59 children not yet ascertained were under observation for the following
reasons (but it does not follow that they will all be ascertained as handicapped pupils).
Mentally retarded 28
Epileptic 5
Defective speech 2
Impaired vision 6
Physically handicapped l8-3 Congenital heart disease
6 Congenital deformities
1 Post-polio paralysis
1 Nephrectomy
1 Congenital hip
4 Spina bifida
1 Haemophilia
1 Cleft palate
39
Children under 5 years attending special schools, occupation centre and in institutions
Seven West Ham children attended the School for the Deaf, and on December 31st
there were 3 West Ham children attending the Spastic Unit.
At the end of the year all the children admitted to the nursery class of the
Occupation Centre had reached the age of 5 years, but there are younger children waiting
for vacancies. One mentally defective child under 5 years is in an institution.
Premature Babies
Of the total 195 premature infants, 176 were born in hospital, 19 were born and
nursed at home. Of the 176 born in hospital, 153 were still alive at the end of 28 days,
but 15 died within 24 hours and another 8 within the month. All the babies born and
nursed at home survived 28 days. Seven point one per cent of all live births were
premature (compared with 6.6% last year)-the national figure is 6.7%. Of the total
births 8.2% were premature (compared with 8.4% last year)-the national figure is 7.7%
Out of a total of 57 deaths of infants under one year, 15 (26%) occurred in premature
infants who died within the first month of life.
As most premature babies are born in hospital and are not sent home until their
health and weight are satisfactory, not a great deal of use is made of the Council's
special equipment, though hot water bottles, blankets, and occasionally a cot are lent
from time to time.
The loan of special scales for use in the home, and vitamin preparations taken
round by the health visitor, are very useful because they obviate the need for these
delicate babies to attend a child welfare centre until they are well established, and
less susceptible to cold and to infection.