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
Hammersmith 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith.
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Social Work (School Health Service)
The Social Work Section (School Health Service) is concerned with:-
(a) social work arising out of school and hospital clinics and
(b) intensive casework with families with multiple problems.
The Social Workers concerned with the School Health Service are jointly appointed by the Inner London
Education Authority and The London Borough of Hammersmith and have a responsibility for special
investigation clinics, audiology clinics, etc.
At special investigation clinics, children are seen who suffer from enuresis, obesity and minor behaviour
problems. The social workers make contact with the homes and work with the clinic doctor in dealing with the
total family situation where this is appropriate. The work may be of a short or long term nature depending
upon the problem and needs of the family.
At audiology clinics, the social worker is one of the team consisting of the otologist, school nurse and social
worker. Close contact is maintained with the peripatetic teacher of the deaf and staff of the schools for the deaf
and partially hearing. The social workers have continued to give support to the families of deaf children
including those where the child is at boarding school.
Sanitary conditions in schools
All school premises are inspected annually by the medical staff who offer advice concerning the sanitary
conditions and standards of hygiene. Reports concerning defects are passed on to the Divisional Officer of the
l.L.E.A. for attention.
Conclusion
1 should like to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks to Dr. C.C. A. Jansz, Deputy Principal
School Medical Officer, who has been immediately responsible throughout the year for the work set out in this
Report. 1 would also like to thank Mr. P.T. Fuller, Principal School Dental Officer and all the Staff of the
School Health Services for their hard work and support throughout the year.
As part of the National Tuberculin Survey, the Medical Research Council conducted tests in the following Hammersmith Schools:-
| Schools | No. of Children Tested |
|---|---|
| Melcombe Infants | 89 |
| Halford Infants | 91 |
| Gilliatt Secondary | 90 |
| Miles Coverdale Primary | 73 |
| London Oratory Secondary | 142 |
| Langford Infants | 72 |
| Henry Compton Secondary | 107 |
| St. Clement Danes Secondary | 111 |
The results of these tests were as follows:-
A. Primary School Children
Total No. of Children Tested 325
Total No. of Children with a reaction of 5 mm or more to PPDS 12
Percentage of Children with a reaction of 5 mm or more to PPDS 3.69%
B. Secondary School Children
Total No. of Children Tested 450
Total No. of Children with a reaction of 5 mm or more to PPDS 24
Percentage of Children with a reaction of 5 mm or more to PPDS 5.33%
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