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AUDIOLOGY
With the opening of the Patrick Doody Clinic in January, 1973,
audiology clinics will be held each Friday in a purpose-built unit.
Although at present the number of attendances continues to increase,
it is hoped that more G.P.s will make use of the new facilities available.
The unit for partially-hearing nursery class children, attached to
a primary school in the Borough, continues with maximum attendances
and these children now continue their education in primary units in
Surrey.
Two part-time audiometricians share the work in the Boroughs
of Sutton and Merton, enabling full clinic coverage to be given.
ENURESIS
The problem of the bedwetting child is very real to the family
concerned and improvement is not easy to achieve.
The School Health Service has 18 sets of enuresis alarm apparatus,
which are issued on the recommendation of the school or family doctor
for six weeks to each case, this period being sufficient if the system is
to prove effective.
During 1972, 66 children used an enuresis alarm supplied by the
service. As in previous years, about 45% proved completely successful,
there was some improvement in 30% and 25% were unsuccessful.
These unsuccessful cases were referred back to the doctor who
originally requested the use of the apparatus for further treatment.
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL NURSES
Throughout 1972 the health visitors and school nurses played an
important role in promoting and maintaining the health of school
children in the Borough.
They liaise between the home, the school, the general practitioner
and the School Medical Officers.
During 1972 there was an increase in head infestation amongst
the school children of the Borough. 318 health surveys (compared with
163 in 1971) were carried out. Home visits were made in the evenings
when the parents were at home and treatment was explained. All cases
were followed up.
The programme of vision screening has continued to expand in
1972. 300 sessions have been held (compared with 177 in 1971).
Health Education teaching has continued in Middle and High
Schools. The Health Education Officer's help in planning programmes
and supplying visual aid materials is greatly appreciated.
The health visitors and school nurses maintain their varied duties
in the School Health Service.
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