London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Tower Hamlets 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tower Hamlets, London Borough]
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VI REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
ON THE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
The Inner London Education Authority is responsible for the School Health Service,
but by virtue of an agreement by Section 32 of the London Government Act. 1963, there is
joint use by the Authority and the Council of professional staff premises and equipment.
The Medical Officer of Health is the Principal School t'edical Officer of the Inner London
Education Authority for the area of the borough and is responsible to that Authority for
the day to day running of the Service.
As in previous years close liaison with the Medical Adviser and his central staff
has maintained an effective service. At local divisional level, Mr, Peirce and his staff
have been ever willing to continue good working relationships.
Pupils on school rolls numbered 30.679 at the end of the year, at tending 98 maintained schools in the borough which include four schools for the educationally subnormal, two for the maladjusted one for delicate children, and one for the physically handicapped. There are no direct grant or independent schools included in the School Health Service. The registers were as follows:-
| Type of School | 'No. of Schools | Pupi1s |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 63 | 17,751 |
| Secondary | 20 | 11,304 |
| Nursery | 7 | 714 |
| Special | 8 | 910 |
MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOLCHILDREN
Routine Medical Examinations
These are carried out by medical officers of the department assisted by school
nurses. Where further examinations are found to be required children are referred to
special clinics, e.g. vision hearing dental, child guidance and special investigation
clinics, etc.
Non-routine Medical Examinations
These examinations are carried out for various reasons, e.g. prior to departure on
school journeys for ascertainment of suitability for ordinary school and at the request
of the head teacher, educational welfare officer, schoo1 nurse, pa rent or medical officer.
Attendances for treatment of scabies at the bathing centres decreased from 205 last
year to 180 in 1972. A combined approach with the co operation of local schools, general
practitioners and the borough cleansing station staff continued during the year toensure
where possible that all known cases, and their family and other contacts are given a
complete course of treatment.
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