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(e) Positive reactors among (d) 270 (8.7%)
(f) Negative reactors among (d) 2,830 (91.3%)
(g) Number of children vaccinated 2,814
This B.C.G. vaccination campaign was introduced in 1954 and
has now become routine procedure in schools. Children whose
negative results show that they have not been subject to tuberculous
infection are vaccinated; children with positive results
are referred to the Chest Physicians for X-rays and any further
necessary investigation and treatment.
Foot Health
Foot defects in schoolchildren are brought to the notice of the
school medical officer either at routine inspections or by reference
for special examination. Where necessary the children concerned
are referred to the family doctor for advice. The school nurse
may discover defects such as warts and athlete's foot during
comprehensive health surveys or at special inspections. A medical
officer and a remedial gymnast attend ten primary schools to
examine the children for foot deviations. Selected cases are
formed into a class supervised by a teacher who has received
training in the technique of foot exercises. Remedy of a foot
deviation may be considered to be a specialized approach to the
correction of faulty posture in general.
School Dental Service
During the year the Inner London Education Authority decided
to revise the school dental scheme in order to improve the service
generally, the main change being in relation to dental inspections
held in schools. Since 1965 only pupils aged five years had been
dentally examined in schools. Parents of older children were
invited by letter to use the school dental service, and appointments
for examination at the clinics were offered to those wishing to
avail themselves of the service.
The revised scheme provides for an annual inspection at school
for children of all ages with a consequent need for additional
dental staff. Until such time as additional staff can be provided,
the scheme is being introduced in phases. Arrangements have been
made for all children in infants' schools, up to seven years of age,
to be examined at school. The parents of older children will
continue to be invited to bring their children to the school dental
clinics.
The scheme involves the preparation of a dental record card for
all children examined at school who are found to require treatment,
whether or not the parents decide to use the school dental service,
and additional clerical assistance is to be provided for this
purpose.