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18
Pre-school Child Record Card
The pre-school child record card re-designed by the Society of
Medical Officers of Health was brought into use at the Borough Child
Health Centres.
Notification of developmental assessment
Assessments are now carried out as a routine in the Obstetric Wards
at the Mothers Hospital. Though there is no record of this noted on the
obstetric summary, negotiations are taking place with the Secretary of
the Medical Staff Committee so that this could be done. It could then
accompany the mention of any detected congenital defects and details of
subsequent illness. It is imperative to obtain as much information as
possible on every baby and this is especially essential at an early age
for any baby placed for adoption. It was decided in September to issue
a comprehensive folder describing developmental paediatric techniques
to Child Health Centres for the guidance of Medical Officers undertaking
the examinations.
Certain additional material, e.g. that used to determine the
distance vision of babies from the age of 6 months, together with height
and weight charts, was also supplied to each Centre.
Special Advisory Clinic
The Special Advisory Clinic is still held weekly at 210 Kingsland
Road under a specialist Medical Officer from the Inner London Education
Authority who alternates with one of the Borough's Principal Medical
Officers.
The session is for the appraisal and assessment of pre-school
children whose problem cannot be completely contained by the Departmental
Medical Officers and Health Visitors. Such children present with
intellectual retardation, behaviour problems or dual handicaps. Remedial
help, e.g. attendance at a day nursery or play group, admission for
short or long term care, may be necessary. Referral to a hospital
consultant for further diagnosis is sometimes necessary and a decision
is finally made at the age of 4 years and 10 months as to the suitable
school placement. A formal assessment is often necessary at this stage.
The Medical Officer continued to be assisted by a Mental Health Social
Worker able to offer on-going practical casework help to the parents,
during 1971. A form was compiled to accompany the recommendations of
doctors. This facilitates the work because it ensures that necessary
information, including a full physical examination, is made available
to the doctor who conducts this session. Increased stress is being laid
on the early detection of handicapping conditions by screening children
who are not progressing normally.
Thirty seven children were seen during the year and an analysis
was made of the types of referral, and a review of the present function
of these Clinics which commenced under the former London County Council.
They were started for mentally retarded children.