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Hanwell, Hutton, Leytonstone, and Stepney. During the year seven mercury vapour
lamps with Woods glass screens were supplied to schools and homes where cases of
ringworm occurred, and were found of great assistance in detecting cases in the earliest
stages. In some instances, also, an assistant superintendent of school nurses visited
the school or home to give advice. All cases of ringworm are removed to the Council's
Goldie Leigh hospital for treatment. During the year 101 specimens of hair stumps
were sent to the laboratory at the County Hall for microscopical examination. Ringworm
fungus was found to be present in 43 cases (all small spored).
Impetigo.—Some cases of impetigo were reported amongst the children at Banstead
in October. All necessary precautions were taken at the school.
Scabies.—Difficulty was experienced in effectively treating several cases of scabies
amongst the children at Hanwell and ultimately (in February, 1933) they were
removed to the Council's Goldie Leigh hospital for treatment.
Ophthalmia.—Six cases of ophthalmia were reported amongst the children at
Leytonstone in August.
Molluscum contagiosum.—An unusual form of skin disease occurred at
Ashford in February, and Dr. J. M. H. MacLeod, the consulting physician for skin
diseases at Goldie Leigh hospital, visited the school. Dr. MacLeod diagnosed the
disease as molluscum contagiosum, and, after following his advice as to treatment
and measures to be taken for the prevention of spread of the disease, the cases cleared
up and no further difficulty was experienced. The source of the infection could not
be traced.
As may be expected, the control of infectious diseases in these residential schools
and children's homes of varying size, each with a population of susceptible material
of all ages from 3 up to 16, presents many problems which can only be solved by experience.
Prior to 1st April, 1930, these institutions were separate entities, each
overcoming its difficulties in its own way. Since the Council assumed control an
attempt has been made to view the position from the widest aspect, and, although
it has been necessary to introduce procedures differing in many instances from those
previously practised, a tribute is due to the medical, nursing and other staffs of these
institutions for their co-operation, and for the manner in which they have carried
out their duties.
In the Annual Report for 1931 reference was made to the fact that the Education
Committee had decided, not only to continue the arrangements made by the late
authorities with regard to the active immunisation of the children at four schools
and homes (training ship " Exmouth," Mitcham, Norwood and Shirley), but to
provide facilities for the immunisation of children in any of the other residential
schools and children's homes where the managing committee so desired. It was
stated that immunisation measures had been sanctioned at the following schools and
homes, viz.:—-Ashford, Banstead, Cumberlow Lodge, Hammersmith, Hanwell,
Hutton, Lamorbey, Leytonstone, Ongar, Peckham, Stifford. In May, 1932, the
scheme was extended to include the Hornchurch children's home.
Active immunisation
against
diphtheria in
the
residential
schools and
children's
homes.
The public assistance department has co-operated with the education officer's
department in obtaining the necessary parental consents, and to facilitate this
side of the work a form was drawn up for signature by parents or guardians together
with an explanatory leaflet. Some idea of the magnitude of the task involved may
be realised when it is stated that it became necessary to deal with all the children
in residence at the twelve schools and homes where active immunisation had been
introduced for the first time, together with new admissions to these schools and
homes, as well as to the four other institutions where the measure had been in
operation under the late authorities. Altogether, there were nearly 5,000 children
to be dealt with in this way.
No alterations have been made in the arrangements outlined in the Annual
Report for last year.