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28
Re.inspections
The returns of the school doctors who re.inspect children found at the routine
inspections in elementary schools to be ailing and in need of treatment make it possible
to compile a statistical record of following.up. During 1937, 114,015 re.inspections
were made. At the first re.inspection, which takes place in the next term but one
after primary inspection, 70,039 cases of defects requiring treatment (some children
having more than one defect) were reviewed. At the second re.inspection, which
takes place after the lapse of a clear term after the first re.inspection, 43,976 cases
not cleared up at a first re.inspection were again reviewed. By combining the results
of both re.inspections it is found that 82 per cent. of the children re.inspected were
treated or discharged as no longer requiring treatment. This figure compares with
83.9 per cent. in 1936, 82.3 in 1935, and 75.1 in 1934.
It is the dental cases, which contribute more than half of those to be followed.up,
that cause the most difficulty. If these be eliminated the cases of defect satisfactorily
dealt with at the time of the second re.inspection, reached the proportion of 84.4
per cent. in 1937.
The relatively poor result in 1934 was almost entirely due to failure to obtain
dental treatment. The better results in this respect in the years 1935 to 1937 correspond
with the better condition of the teeth found at inspections, and reinforce the
impression of redoubled efforts on the part of social workers in response to the
statements contained in my recent reports.