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informing them that, should they fail to do so, their children will be
ineligible for treatment at the clinic until after the next routine inspection
at the school. In the past it has been found that a great number of
parents have not availed themselves of the offer at the time of the
inspection, bringing their children later as 'specials' when driven to do
so by pain; this has not only tended to disorganise the work of the clinic,
but has generally meant that teeth have had to be removed which might have
been preserved had the treatment been obtained at the right time. Those
parents who still refuse treatment are being visited by the school nurses,
who explain to them the importance of prompt and regular attention
and try to persuade them to take full advantage of the facilities offered."
Nose and Throat Defects .—Operative treatment of enlarged tonsils
and adenoids was carried out in 678 cases.
Of these operations, 263 were performed at the North Middlesex
Hospital and 241 at the Prince of Wales's Hospital.
Treatment at both hospitals is in accordance with agreements entered
into by the Education Committee, and ensures the retention of patients
in hospital for a minimum period of 48 hours. All tonsillectomy cases
are visited immediately after their return home by the school nurses.
Orthopaedic and Postural Defects.—The routine and special
inspections revealed 229 children needing treatment for some form of
crippling defect. Surgical appliances were supplied and repairs and
replacements effected in 199 instances.
The orthopaedic surgeon pays regular visits to Tottenham for the
examination of children referred to him on account of these defects,
and a masseuse attends daily for the purpose of carrying out treatment
and remedial exercises.