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114
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
Report of the Principal School Medical Officer for the year 1971
The Inner London Education Authority is responsible for the School Health
Service, but by virtue of an agreement made under Section 32 of the London
Government Act 1963 there is joint use by the Authority and the Borough Council
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.
Medical treatment of school children
Arrangements for the provision of certain specialist clinics in conjunction
with Regional Hospital Boards and Boards of Governors of Teaching Hospitals
continued, some clinics being held in hospitals, and some in school treatment
centres for which specialist staff were provided by the hospital. Most of the
clinics in hospitals are attended by school health service social workers who
act as liaison officers between hospitals, school medical officers and the I.L.E.A.
Education Welfare Service.
Special investigation clinics are attended by school health social workers.
Children suffering from obesity, enuresis and similar conditions may be referred.
Clinics are held in school treatment centres. Many of the referrals are for
enuresis much of which proves on investigation to be caused by emotional and
relationship difficulties at home. During the past year school health social
workers have been visiting the families of the more acute cases, maintaining
close liaison with the Education Welfare Social Workers.
The health and material well-being of Lambeth school children have
generally continued to improve, but referrals to child guidance centres have
increased.
Since September school health social workers have extended their activities
to special schools, of which there are a considerable number in Lambeth. For the
past term they have worked in close liaison with the Education Welfare Social
Workers in 5 special schools (2 day open air, 1 for severely handicapped, 1 for
partially sighted and 1 for the deaf) and at 2 special units (1 deaf/blind and 1
autistic unit).