View report page

20
There is one advantage accruing however; the Maternity and Child
Welfare Committed have recently established dental treatment for nursing
mothers and children under 5 years. There is only one session a week, but if
mothers would only take advantage of it for their young children, it is hoped
that its Rood work would be shewn in 11 lessened number of entrant scholars
requiring treatment, and thus enable the Dentist to visit a greater number of
the schools.
The charge to parents is nominal: 6d. per attendance, but not to exceed
is,: for those coming under the scale previously mentioned, treatment is free.
Tuberculosis.—Dining 1924 there have been notified as suffering from
tuberculosis 24 children of school age:—
Lungs Non pulmonary
Boys 11 2
Girls 8 3
At the time of writing we have the names of 101 children of school age on
the tuberculosis register. Many of these cases are quiescent, and it will be
seen from Table 111. the number still regarded as in an active condition.
I am indebted to Dr. Evans, the Tuberculosis Medical Officer for the
District, for help in preparing these figures in Table 111., and also for his
willingness to see children referred to him from the school clinic and for his
advice regarding them.
It will be noted that 22 children are being treated in Sanatoria at the
present time, and that some children with the lung trouble regarded as still
in an active condition—although not infectious—are attending school.
It is a matter always worthy of consideration, as to whether such a child
should be excluded from school or should be allowed to attend.
During the summer weather, the child, if excluded, could have the benefit
of practically living out of doors even in most homes, but in the winter weather
the home conditions—smallness of rooms and perhaps overcrowding—are such
that to remain at home is the worse fate of the two. If the child is otherwise
fit, my opinion is that the child is better at school—the school-room is better
ventilated than the home room would be, and the mental occupation afforded
by school life is beneficial. Those cases, however, with a rise of temperature
or shewing signs such as weariness, sleeplessness or muscular debility, must be
excluded from school.