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Walker (Scottish Home and Health Department, 1967) concludes
in his excellent assessment, that critical administrative
appraisal end evaluation, combined with regular and thorough
clinical Investigation results in a worthwhile contribution to
the early detection and treatment of handicap in infancy".
He agrees, however, with the observations of Hamilton and
Richards (Glasgow, 1968), that a proportion of handicaps would
be missed if the search be confined only to the infants who are
registered as "At Risk".
Also of considerable import, are the recently published
observations of a Working Group (appointed by the W.H.O. and
who met in Copenhagen in November/December, 1966, under the
Chairmanship of Dr. J. D. Kershaw) for the early detection and
treatment of handicapping defects in young children.
This Group considers that "Screening Schemes and Risk
Registers should not be alternatives but complementary to each
other", and later add that "Screening by observation will continue
to be the most rewarding procedure in general".
The term "Special Care Register" is suggested by the
Group, as opposed to the term "At Risk Register" — in order
to obtain the understanding of the parents.
In the London Borough of Redbridge the term "Observation
Register" is used. This is proving to be acceptable to parents,
who might otherwise be unduly concerned by the registration of
their child as being "At Risk".
In each case, the mother is first visited by the Health
Visitor and the position is simply explained in the home.
Screening tests for hearing are also carried out routinely,
and cases with doubtful results are referred for Audlometric
Testing and investigation as soon as possible.
The Register, as It is being conducted at present, Is
surely bringing forward a new alertness and interest in all the
branches of the medical and nursing professions.
Dental
Treatment
The provision of dental services to expectant and nursing
mothers and to children under the age of 5 is reported on by
Mr. E. V. Haigh, Principal Dental Officer:—
Dental treatment was available at all the Dental Clinics in
the Borough to expectant, nursing mothers and children under
five years old. However, most of these patients were treated
at Kenwood and Mayesbrook Clinics. At Kenwood Clinic Mr.
Willson, the senior Dental Officer and Miss Burns, Dental