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STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE
A Student Health Service was begun in October, 1966, for students of the West London
College. The number of eligible students on the roll is 180, (100 girls and 80 boys) and a room for
the purpose is available at South Park Branch, (Hugon Road annexe at Hurlingham School).
Dr. Margaret Capra, a full-time Medical Officer on the staff, continues to conduct the Service. Great co-operation and help was given throughout the year by Dr. Bonney Rust, the Principal
of the West London College, and his staff.
The possibilities of a similar service being inaugurated at Hammersmith College were being
explored at the end of 1967.
SUMMARY OF ARRANGEMENTS:
1. On Acceptance by the College
a) Each student is 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 is considered very important in view of the large number of overseas students. It is made clear in the explanatory letter that the Student Health Service is intended to be additional to the National Health Service and not in place of it, and the
student is advised to register with a general practitioner.
b) The student is asked to complete a questionnaire about the state of his health and the
extent to which he has been protected against infectious illness.
c) Arrangements are made by the College to obtain school medical records when thought
advisable.
d) The student is 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 is told the scheme is voluntary.
2. The Doctor and her function.
Arrangements are made for the doctor to attend weekly, and to attend staff meetings at the
beginning of term, or as necessary. The doctor and staff are able to meet freely and to discuss any particular problem of student health.
Early in the term the doctor studies the completed questionnaires and medical records and
makes out the list of medical examinations in order of apparent urgency.
Arrangements are made for students to have mass X-ray examinations, tuberculosis tests
with B.C.G. if negative, and to have immunisation against poliomyelitis.
Students are seen as necessary if repeated observation seems advisable. The doctor is
available at her sessions to see students and relatives, or staff, attending at their own
desires and students referred by any member of the staff.
If necessary the doctor writes to general practitioners, hospital consultants, or other persons about individual student's needs.
In general, students are seen by appointment and ample time given for full discussion between doctor and student. The consultation is private.
The commonest difficulties, so far, have been in arranging interviews for students at
times convenient for them which did not conflict with lectures. This has been overcome by
arranging occasional evening sessions, or changing clays, or times of day-time sessions,
as necessary. The high proportion of overseas students - Greek, Italian, Arabian,French,
and others - has been noticeable and has presented problems at times.
THE COMMONEST COMPLAINTS:
1. Anxieties,
a) Associated with parents or boys friends.
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