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entered the names of those due for routine examination, but who were absent
during the time the doctor was at the school. Thus on the visit for
re-inspection, previous absentees automatically come up for inspection, thus
saving wastage.
Defects not attended to are "followed up"—that is, a nurse calls at the
home to see the mother, to find out the reason for non-treatment, to remove
obstacles and to stiffen parental responsibility. A promise to have the defect
seen to is a ready means of getting rid of the nurse, but the promise may not
necessarily bear fruit! Or the mother is quite willing, but father's consent
must be obtained—with the same result—no treatment. These visits during
the year totalled 2,336.
The District with its Schools is divided in three areas, each nurse having
her own schools and area. Each nurse has thus an opportunity to get into
closer touch with scholar and parent, to know home conditions, and thus be of
greater service to the child.
REVIEW OF THE FACTS DISCLOSED BY
MEDICAL INSPECTION.
Malnutrition.—The number of children found to be suffering from
malnutrition is much about the same as in 1923. Although the number so
found during routine inspection is lessened, the number of specials is
increased.
A greater number each year is stated to require treatment, and of course
there is less for " observation." The ability to give Cod Liver Oil Emulsion
to those children who would probably benefit by its administration, probably
accounts for this transference.
There are many factors underlying malnutrition besides want of food—
namely: improper or badly cooked food, bad teeth (which parents refuse to
have treated), improper clothing, going to bed late, overcrowded bedrooms, etc.
A child I saw recently was badly clothed—she had six knitted woollen
garments on her body, but her legs and the greater part of her thighs
were bare!