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103
geographical reorganisation of the administration of the nursing
service locally was effected in the autumn.
The abolition of the traditional medical administrative separation
of maternal and child welfare from school health cannot but
help to give a greater sense of purpose and continuity to all concerned
in clinical supervision, with a correspondingly more effective
service. Equally in the interests of child health, and just as
strongly advocated in recent years, was the ending of the legal
concept of ineducability. Thus the implementation in April of
the provisions of the Education (Handicapped Children) Act of
1970, referred to in the body of the Report, was warmly welcomed
as a major advance.
In conclusion I am indeed glad to have the opportunity to thank
all members of the staff of the school health service for their
cheerful efficiency throughout the year, and to express to Mr. Kingdom,
the Divisional Education Officer, and the Heads of schools in
Wandsworth my warm appreciation of their continued help and
support which I deeply value. The Medical Adviser to the Inner
London Education Authority, Dr. Stewart, and his colleagues have
again given me constant encouragement and invaluable advice for
which I am especially grateful.
Pupils on school rolls
In May, 1971, there were 49,133 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 staff of the Education Welfare Service and the
teaching staff. Immunisation records receive special scrutiny and,
if indicated, the attention of the parents is directed towards completing
the immunisation schedule, particularly with regard to the
prevention of diphtheria, poliomyelitis, tetanus and tuberculosis.
Nowadays, attention is also paid to measles and rubella prophylaxis,
where appropriate. Control of infection and infestation is
facilitated by means of the medical inspections and the health
surveys made by the school nurses. In this respect, examination of
children before a school journey is of proven value.
Relatively frequent medical examinations take place at the
schools for the handicapped. Specially approved medical officers