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STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE
West London College
A Student Health Service was begun in October, 1966, for students of the above College.
The service is at present restricted by statute to students up to nineteen years of age, but it is
hoped that legislation in the near future will enable students of all ages to be included. The
number of eligible students on the roll was 180, (100 girls and 80 boys). A room for the purpose
was made available at South Park Branch, (Hugon Road Annexe at Hurlingham School).
Dr. Margaret Capra, a full-time Medical Officer on the staff, was selected for this work
in view of her considerable experience in the School Health Service, her particular interest in
this scheme, and her personality which makes her particularly acceptable to young people.
Great co-operation and help was given in beginning this scheme by Dr. Bonney Rust,
the Principal of the West London College, and his staff, and in ensuring its continuity and smooth
progress.
Summary of Arrangements.
1. On acceptance by the College.
a) Each student was given an explanatory letter about the Student Health Service and
also a summary of general medical services available under the National Health
Service. The latter was considered very important in view of the large numbers of
overseas students. It was made clear in the explanatory letter that the Student
Health Service was intended to be additional to the National Health Service and not
in place of it, and the student was advised to register with a general practitioner.
b) The student was asked to complete a questionnaire about the state of his health
and the extent to which he had been protected against infectious illness.
c) Arrangements were made by the College to obtain school medical records when
thought advisable.
d) The student was informed that the Medical Officer would be glad to advise him at
any time, and that he might be asked to attend a medical examination.
e) He was told the scheme was voluntary.
2. The Doctor and her function.
Arrangements were made for the doctor to attend weekly, and to attend staff meetings at
the beginning of term, or as necessary. The doctor and staff were able to meet freely to
discuss any particular problem of student health.
Early in the term the doctor studied the completed questionnaires and medical records
and made out the list for medical examinations in order of apparent urgency.
Arrangements were made for students to have mass X-ray examinations, tuberculosis
tests with B.C.G. if negative, and to have immunisation against poliomyelitis.
Students were seen as necessary if repeated observation seemed advisable. The doctor
was available at her sessions to see students and relatives, or staff, attending at their
own desire, and students referred by any member of the staff.
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