London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Croydon 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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8
Special inspections have not increased this year beyond that expected
with the increase in the school population though re-inspections continue to
be asked for more frequently by medical officers.
The proportion of parents attending the various inspections has not
changed significantly in the year under review.
| 1970 | 1969 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | Girls | Boys | Girls | |
| Entrants | 84.3% | 83.8% | 82.3% | 81.5% |
| Leavers | 4.4% | 5.8% | 3.9% | 6.5% |
| Others | 58.0% | 58.7% | 55.4% | 59.2% |
| Total Numbers of Children examined | 9,491 | 9,339 | 9,373 | 9,005 |
| Total Attendance of Parents | 54.4% | 55.3% | ||
The number of visits to private schools was similar to last year but
there was an increase in the number of pupils seen. Details are given
in Appendix C, page 55.
The total number of defects discovered was 6,825, and the number of
defects noted as requiring observation, 7,353. Both showed a greater
increase than the larger number of medicals should have produced. The
reason is not clear as the increase is widely spread over the range of
defects.
Personal Hygiene
Unfortunately the problem of head infestation became more prominent
during the year, many more inspections were carried out and 30% more
children were found unclean for the first time. A similar increase was noted
in the number found infested at follow-up visits. The condition is not evenly
spread throughout the Borough but is confined to a relatively small number of
schools. Intensive efforts are being made by the Health Visiting staff to deal
with the problem by treating some of the children in school and at home and
bringing families to the Cleansing Station. A leaflet to inform parents about
what to look for and how to treat infestation is being prepared, and copies
will be sent to schools where cases are occurring. The question of prosecution
under the Education Act, 1944, has been considered in two cases but
neglect by the parents has to be proved, and it was felt that in the particular
circumstances it would have been difficult to convince the Court that there
had been unreasonable neglect. Twenty-two school children compared to six
last year were treated for head vermin at the Cleansing Station.