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incidence of whooping cough, mumps, dysentery and enteritis. A
small outbreak of Sonne dysentery occurred at a primary school.
Although the symptoms were mild the Health Department staff
carried out a full epidemiological investigation, and the outbreak
was soon brought under control. After extensive investigations at
two schools where the possibility of a risk of tuberculous infection
had arisen, it was concluded that no infection had been transmitted
to either the staff or the children.
As the school roll in Wandsworth is more than 46,000, one of
the largest school populations in London, the medical supervision
demands a high degree of organization. It is gratifying to record
increasing co-operation between the school physicians and the
family doctors, with beneficial results for all concerned. Co-ordination
of this type is an extremely valuable aid in promoting and
safeguarding the health of the schoolchild.
I wish to express my deep appreciation of the work carried out
by the School Health Service staff throughout the year, and I am
indebted to the Divisional Education Officer and the Heads of
schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth for their constant
support of activities which link health and educational objectives.
Pupils on school rolls
In May, 1968, there were 46,682 pupils on the rolls of
schools in Wandsworth, including primary and secondary day
schools together with special day and boarding schools and classes
for handicapped pupils.
Medical inspection of schoolchildren
Routine medical examinations are performed by medical officers
working in either a full-time or part-time capacity. Whenever the
necessity arises the family doctor is consulted about the results
of the examination, and parents are invited to attend, so that any
matters relating to the child's health may be discussed without
delay. Much valuable information is also obtained from the
school nurses, the Care Committee workers and the teaching staff.
Immunization records receive special scrutiny and, if indicated,
the attention of the parents is directed towards completing the
immunization schedule, particularly with regard to the prevention
of diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus and tuberculosis. Control of
infection and infestation is facilitated by means of the medical
inspections and the health surveys made by the school nurses. Tn
this respect, examination of children before a school journey
is of proven value. During the year no case of cross-infection
occurred as a sequel to holidays organized for groups of children
either in this country or abroad