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77.
As will be noted, the ratio of positive reactors amongst children of
immigrant parents born either abroad or in this country, far exceeds that
for O.K. born children of the indigenous population. There are certain
inherent difficulties of interpretation of Heaf tests but this small pilot
study indicates the need for further similar investigations to ensure that
foci of T.B are discovered and eradicated.
In the school ophthalmic service delays were encountered resulting in
long waiting lists. The number of children seen per session shows a
large variation as between different clinics and ophthalmologists.
Additional sessions have been arranged with local hospitals to reduce the
delays.
Health Education for Schools.
The appointment of a professional health education officer will
advance the ordered planning of the syllabus and the application of evaluated
techniques. Links with the local schools have been strengthened through
the Divisional Officer (Education) and head teachers. Certain schools
have welcomed the help of the department in planning courses covering a
range of biological studies, including hygiene in its widest context.
There has been an increase in seminars and talks given by members of staff
at schools. Sex hygiene instruction is now offered to the lower age
groups in secondary schools. Topics receiving close attention are the
Venereal Diseases, and the relationship of smoking to the incidence of
lung cancer. Effective health education is difficult enough with the
indigenous population, but the task is formidable when dealing with
Asiatic illiterate persons who are culturally alienated. Here, a
combination of pictorial demonstrations and personal contact using an
interpreter appears the ideal method to get across a message. Fortunately
the younger immigrant generation at school acquires both literacy and
cultural standards more rapidly and easily.
School Dental Service.
The service operated efficiently over the year. A Chief Dental Officer
and Principal School Dental Officer was appointed toward the end of the
year and is planning an active programme of dental health education for
1966.
Deaf and Partially-hearing Children.
Children suspected of hearing loss are tested by Health Visitors at
health centres. Where such loss is confirmed or there is any doubt, the
child is referred to a Audiology Clinic and seen by a specialist and a
teacher of the deaf. Action taken includes referral to hospital for treatment
or for the issue of a hearing aid; to school for the deaf & partially
hearing, or to a health centre for further observation where loss is
slight. There are no special schools for this defect in the Borough,
children having to go to school either in Hackney or Islington.