View report page

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL
OFFICER
INNER LONDON EDUCATION AUTHORITY (HAMMERSMITH), ON
THE
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
The Inner London Education Authority is responsible for the school health service, but by virtue of an
agreement required by Section 32 ofthe London Government Act, 1963 there isjointuse by the Authorityand
the Borough of professional staff, premises and equipment. The Director of Health Services is the Principal
School Medical Officer of the Inner London Education Authority for the area and is responsible to that
Authority for the day to day running of the service.
The co-operation of the Medical Adviser's department of the Inner London Education Authority, the local
Divisional Education Officer and Head Teachers of the schools in the Borough has been much appreciated
throughout the year.
Pupils on Day School Rolls
I n December, 1972 there was a total of 26,959 on the day school roll attending 46 primary schools (including
full and part-time nursery classes), 15 secondary schools; 3 nursery schools and 9 special schools. There were
also 2 units for partially-hearing children, one in a primary and one in a secondary school.
Routine Medical Inspections
As a routine, all pupils in nursery schools and nursery classes were medically inspected on admission and
annually thereafter, or as necessary.
Each pupil was also examined by the school nurse each term in which a medical inspection was not carried
out. School nurses visited weekly, but made more frequent visits in emergencies.
Other children were medically examined as soon as possible after admission to infants' schools.
The next routine medical examination took place after the pupils were transferred to secondary school.
Pupils were again seen as early as possible in the term before the one by the end of which they would reach
Statutory school leaving age. A medical report to the Careers Service was completed at this examination for
pupils who intended to leave school at 16 years of age.
Pupils who were still in attendance after attaining 16 years of age were inspected as early as possible in the
term prior to that in which they would be leaving school, when a medical report to the Careers Service was
completed.
Special school pupils were also seen at least once a year by the school doctor, specialist or consultant, as
appropriate.
Routine medical examinations are performed by medical officers working in either a full-time or part-time
capacity. Whenever the necessity arises the family doctor is consulted about the results of the examination,
and parents are invited to attend, so that any matters relating to the child's health may be discussed without
delay. Much valuable information is also obtained from the school nurses, the Care Committee workers and
the teaching staff. Immunization records receive special scrutiny and, if indicated, the attention of the parents
is directed towards completing the immunization schedule, particularly with regard to the prevention of
diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus and tuberculosis. Control of infection and infestation is facilitated by
means of the medical inspections and the health surveys made by the school nurses. In this respect,
examination of children before a school journey is of proven value.
Relatively frequent medical examinations take place at the schools for the handicapped. Specially approved
medical officers examine educationally subnormal children. Although the emphasis rests upon the
educational status of these children, any physical abnormality is carefully assessed, for the successful
treatment of a physical defect may well enhance the child's prospects of securing gainful employment after
leaving school. Behaviour problems in children of all ages continue to present difficulties. To solve a
behaviour problem is often an exacting task, demanding intensive application of medical and educational
resources.
Special Medical Examinations
Any pupil about whose well-being (physical or mental) the parents, school nurse, care committee or
teaching staff were in doubt, and pupils whose performance raised doubts concerning their physical or mental
fitness for whom special educational treatment might be necessary, were brought before the school doctor by
head teachers. The Education Officer also requested that certain children be examined at times other than the
normal routine examinations.
Re-Inspections
School doctors re-inspected 8,813 (8,884) children who had been referred for treatment or observation.
Special Recommendations by School Doctors
School doctors sometimes made special recommendations (e.g. position in class because of hearing and
vision limitations, restrictions of physical training activities) and head teachers or other responsible teachers
saw that they were carried out. They were also asked to ensure that children with defective vision wore
spectacles prescribed for them and children with hearing aids used them.
D 1