TRAVELLING CLINIC

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 March 1930, Page 11

TRAVELLING CLINIC

FOR CANADIAN BACKBLOCKS. VANCOUVER, February 5. The Alberta Government’s travelling clinic, said to be the ofily institution of. its kind in the world, will take the roaxl in the spring for, its fourth season. This motor caravan was organised to carry the benefits of modern surgery and dentistry to children in the s’parsely settled farming areas of the province. Last year, with the personnel of two doctors, two dentists, and four nurses, it travelled from the American border in the south to the Peace River country in the north. . The clinic was devised by the Department of Public Health after its need was pointed out by district nurses, who found that many children' failed to receive urgently-needed attention, because of expense and distance from hospitals. It is partly self-sup-porting. Under the scheme of operation, a community which wishes a clinic forms a local committee, secures the co-operation of at least ten school districts, and arranges dates with the Department of Health. Prior to the clinic’s visit, a public health nurse visits the schools in tho district, makes a preliminary survey, and recommends those she feels need attention to take advantage of the opportunity. The first day of tho clinic is given over to examinations, doctors and dentists looking for such ills as diseased tonsils, adenoids, heart and chest trouble, malnutrition, and infected teeth. On the second day operations are performed. Families bring their own beds. Patients rest under supervision until tho doctors decide they are well enough to go home, and it is a matter of pride to the clinic staff that never has a fatality followed an operation.

Last season forty-one clinics were held. Dr. R. T. Washburn, head of tho establishment, made 4413 examinations, performed 1408 tonsil and adenoid operations, and 240 minor operations. The dental staff made 4273 examinations, put in 1150 fillings, and extracted 2775 teeth.