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126
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
Report of the Principal School Medical Officer for the year 1972
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 ILEA
Education Welfare Service.
Special investigation clinics also attended by school health social workers
to which children suffering from obesity, enuresis and similar conditions may
be referred, are held in a number of 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. School health social workers
visit the families of the more acute cases, and maintain close liaison with the
Education Welfare Social Workers.
Whilst the increase in referrals to child guidance centres is a cause of
concern, the health and welfare of school children in Lambeth generally
continued to improve. School Health social workers are attached to the
special schools which exist in Lambeth. During 1972 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).