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14
Review of the Action to detect and prevent the Spread of Infectious
Disease.
The Schools have been free from Infectious Disease beyond occasional cases
throughout the year.
The Medical Officer of Health and the School Medical Officer have met and
consulted together regularly.
In March when the question of a possible influenza epidemic was discussed,
it was arranged that a circular should be sent to the Head Teachers informing them
that, should the epidemic occur, disinfectants could be obtained at the Town Hall
in the mornings, that vaccines were available, that nursing, when necessary, was
arranged for, and that the schools would be disinfected as required.
On February 5th, at the Town Hall, Dr. Eicholz and Dr. Janet Campbell, from
the Board of Education, met Dr. Pringle and Dr. Adams Clark in consultation on
the case of a boy who was regarded as unsuitable for attendance at school because
of physical and mental defect. It was decided that the boy was to be kept under
supervision by the School Medical Officer, and to be excused from school.
The School Medical Inspectors and School Medical Officer met the Surveyor
on February 2nd, and discussed the plans for the new building for the Clinic, which
is to be established at 17, Oakfield Road.
On July 9th, Dr. Muriel Bywaters met the Clerk of the Education Committee
and the School Medical Officer and inspected the plans for the house and extension
at 17, Oakfield Road.
Estimates for equipping the new Centre have been prepared by the School
Medical Officer, with the assistance of Dr. Pringle, Dr. Scott Turner, Dr. Critchley
and Mr. Harold Barr.
In July arrangements were made by the School Medical Officer with the School
Medical Officer of Croydon that each Authority should follow up children attending
the School of that Authority, although residing in the district of the other, thereby
avoiding much correspondence and delay. This method of procedure is also followed
between the Penge and Beckenham authorities.
The number of employed school children examined in 1920 was 158. All were
found fit to continue their work.
Table III has been compiled by the Medical Inspectors and School Medical
Officer, with the assistance of the Head Teachers and Miss Linford Brown.
I have to acknowledge the ready help of all who are engaged in the School
Medical and Dental Service in preparing the figures for the new tables.
Again I have to express the appreciation of the School Medical Staff, of the
cordial co-operation of the Teachers and of the work of both the School Nurses.
This is of the greatest value, especially that done by Miss Linford Brown, whose
knowledge and experience of the children is so full.
The Clerk of the Authority and his Assistant are also thanked for all the assistance
they have given.
W. ADAMS CLARK, M.D.,
April 1 st, 1921, School Medical Officer.