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out 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 examine educationally subnormal children. Although the
emphasis rests upon the educational status of these children,any
physical abnormality is carefully assessed, for the successful
treatment of a physical defect may well enhance the child's
prospects of securing gainful employment after leaving school.
Behaviour problems in children of all ages continue to present
difficulties. To solve a behaviour problem is often an exacting
task, demanding intensive application of medical and educational
resources.
Routine general medical inspections during 1972 totalled 16,356
compared with 17,713 in 1971. Of those children inspected 18.4%
were referred for treatment of defects, 8.2% being referred for
treatment of defects other than vision. The corresponding percentages
for 1971 were respectively 15.8 and 7.1.
The following table (Table44)shows the number of children
referred for treatment or observation of the defects listed at
routine general medical inspections during 1972, expressed as
a rate per 1,000 children inspected, together with the corresponding
rates for 1971.