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Artificial Sunlight Treatment.—This treatment was provided during the winter months at Hounslow
and Isleworth Health Centres and 49 children under school age were treated during 1948
up to 4th July.
Orthopaedic Treatment.—The surgeon attended once each month, and the physiotherapist
on two days each week. During the period 21 pre-school children were examined by the surgeon, 10 were
provided with appliances and 17 attendances for treatment were made.
Defective Vision Treatment.--Children under school age in whom a defect of vision was diagnosed
or suspected were referred to the eye clinics provided by the School Health Service. During the period
61 pre-school children were examined by the eye specialist and spectacles were provided as prescribed.
Minor Ailment Treatment.—The minor ailment clinics provided under the Education Act were
open to children under school age and 37 such children were treated during 1948 up to 4th July.
Speech Clinic.—During the period 2 pre-school children were treated by the speech therapist.
Child Guidance Clinic.—The child guidance clinic established under the Education Act provided
treatment for children under school age and 10 such children were treated during the first half of
1948.
School Health Service.—This service continued to be provided by Middlesex County Council
but after 5th July medical treatment of school children passed from the control of the Education Committee
to the Health Committee.
Medical Out-relief.—This work was done by the District Medical Officers appointed by Middlesex
County Council up to the start of the national health service.
Venereal Disease.—Facilities for free diagnosis and treatment were provided by Middlesex County
Council up to 5th July when this service was taken over by the Regional Hospital Board. The nearest
treatment centres were West Middlesex and West London Hospitals.
Vaccination.—The number of vaccinated persons in the Borough is not known. Up to 5th July
the work under the Vaccination Acts was carried out by the public vaccinators appointed by Middlesex
County Council. Now vaccinations are carried out by general practitioners under arrangements made
by the Local Health Authority and the Vaccination Act. have been repealed.
Tuberculosis.—The clinic serving this area is at 28, Bell Road, Hounslow. On 5th July the
arrangements for the diagnosis and treatment of persons suffering from tuberculosis passed from Middlesex
County Council to the Regional Hospital Board but the County Council continue to be responsible for
after-care and preventive measures.
In December the Mass X-Ray Unit visited the Borough and was installed at the Board of Trade
Offices, Osterley. A total of 1,107 males and 1,062 females attended including 47 boys and 46 girls from
local schools.
Midwifery Service.—No midwife engaged in private practice in the Borough during 1948. Midwives
were employed by West Middlesex Hospital, nursing homes and by the Council. The recruitment

The work of the midwives was supervised in detail by the Supervisor of Midwives and in general
by a medical officer. Though the average number of confinements attended by the midwives is not large
a reduction in the staff is not possible. The number of midwives must be such as to permit of the prescribed
holidays and off-duty time and yet ensure that a midwife will be within reasonable reach of all patients
at all times.
All the municipal midwives have been trained in gas and air analgesia. Now that the supply of
apparatus has improved and the rule requiring the presence of a second midwife or nurse has been relaxed
it is easier to provide this service. The apparatus is bulky and not suitable for carrying on a cycle and
the only satisfactory way of overcoming this difficulty would appear to be the provision of cars for midwives.
During the year up to 4th July gas and air analgesia was administered by midwives to 38 patients as compared
with 60 in 1947 and 35 in 1946.
Arrangements were continued for municipal midwives to attend post-certificate lectures and demonstrations
organised jointly by the London, Middlesex and Surrey County Councils.
Care of Premature Babies.—The term "premature" is usually applied to every infant born
before full term. If a baby is small but not premature in the foregoing sense, it may need special attention,
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