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105
Tuberculosis
In July and October, epidemiological investigations were held at
two secondary modern schools where it was considered possible
that staff and children had been exposed to tuberculous infection.
Skin tests were performed on 456 children and X-ray examination
was required for 130 adults and 226 children. No evidence of
tuberculosis was discovered. I thank the Chest Physicians of
Wandsworth and Balham Chest Clinics for advice about the investigations
and the Medical Director of the South West London Mass
X-ray Service for arranging the necessary X-ray examinations.
Foot health
Classes for remedial foot exercises are held in nine primary
schools, the classes being conducted by teachers who have attended
a course of instruction at the College of Physical Education. A
medical officer visits the schools and selects children whose foot
deviations are considered likely to benefit from exercises. In
addition, a remedial gymnast visits in an advisory capacity and
to assist in the organization of new groups. Classes are held on
from three to five days a week. A significant improvement in the
feet and in general posture is usually achieved after two terms, but
children are encouraged to continue the exercises after discharge
from the group.
School dental service
Report by Mr. A. F. Weedon, Principal Dental Officer
The year 1968 proved to be an interesting one. With the cooperation
of Head Teachers and the dental staff, the school inspection
programme was again expanded, and the results were very
good ineed. The average number of children inspected per
session rose from 64 in 1967 to 117 in 1968. Once again the usual
depressing picture emerged with 60% needing treatment. As this
figure is obtained from a quick visual examination without the
benefit of an operating light or X-rays, a full clinical examination
in a surgery would undoubtedly raise this percentage. In terms of
medical conditions such a percentage would be classed as a major
epidemic, and yet this state persists year after year. It is therefore
necessary to reach the school dental service ideal of a yearly
inspection of each child as soon as possible, in order to remind
both child and parents, constantly, that dental treatment is desirable
for complete health. When this has been achieved, the next
step will be to mount an extensive and continuous campaign of
dental health education for the whole family.
Staffing has remained constant at full establishment resulting in
an increase in both the inspection and clinical sessions, coupled
with a gain in productivity. Changes in the appointing system
have resulted in a decline in the failure rate from 4.8 per session
in 1967 to 3.4 per session in 1968.