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104
could meet the more urgent needs discovered by school inspection if
adequate provision were made for the prompt and efficient treatment
of skin, eye, throat, ear and teeth defects. For diseases of the
skin in school children, which are mainly infectious, satisfactory
provision has already been made by the. Borough Hospital Committee.
The re-arrangement of Mr. Wray's work will also meet
most of the requirements in respect to eyes.
With respect to throats, ears and teeth, the Committee decided
last summer to approach the General Hospital and to enquire if
special facilities would be granted for the treatment of school
children. To this the Hospital Committee demurred, as while
anxious in every way to meet the wishes of the Education Authority
they were of opinion that the general treatment of elementary
school children did not fall within the scope of their work, and that
it would be unfair to exploit the honorary staff in order to meet
public requirements.
At the end of 1909 a special investigation was made into a
limited number of cases respecting the extent to which treatment
was secured. For this purpose, live typical schools were selected,
namely, Whitehorse Road, Brighton Road, Mitcham Road, Princess
Road and Davidson Road.
The children for whom advice was tendered were divided into
three classes, namely:—
(1) Those needing medical or surgical attendance.
(2) Those needing a dentist.
(3) Those for whom hygienic advice sufficed.
The following table shows the result of the enquiry :—
MEDICAL TREATMENT REQUIRED.

*Including 5 where poverty was the alleged reason.