Changing Paediatrics

Abstract

The changes in the types of disease admitted to a childrens' unit over a period of 18 years are reviewed. Tuberculosis and rheumatic fever declined whereas increases took place in renal infections, nocturnal enuresis, poisoning, congenital heart disease, coeliac disease, gastroenteritis and iron deficiency anaemia. The incidence of respiratory disease varied considerably from year to year.

The mortality during this period, fell from 8.7 per cent to 1.8 per cent.

The effect upon the demand for beds was to reduce the numbers required for older children but to increase those required for infants. This made much greater demands upon nursing staff.