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Residential schools and homes
In accordance with the Memorandum prepared by the Home Office on Conduct of
Children's Homes the public health department takes responsibility for the health of the
children in residential schools and other establishments under the management of the
Children's Committee. There were six residential establishments at the end of the year
with accommodation for 2,376, three approved schools with a total accommodation of
298, two remand homes with accommodation for 142 children, and a number of other
smaller establishments—reception centres, small homes, family homes and after-care
hostels. At the large establishments a visiting medical officer, appointed by the Council,
attended at least once every week. His duties include the medical examination of
children on admission and on discharge or transfer and in addition he gives each child a
complete physical examination once a year. During 1956, 4,065 medical examinations
were held. The visiting medical officer is also the children's ' family doctor ' under the
National Health Service Act. Periodic visits were made by senior medical and nursing
officers from the County Hall. Arrangements were made for the dental treatment of the
children, and visits were made by the Council's psychiatrists.
Research and investigation
Mr. Michael Reed, of the audiology unit of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear,
Hospital, was granted permission to carry out tests in connection with an investigation
as to the defect of slight deafness on school children under adverse conditions.
Dr. L. Fisch, of the audiology unit at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear
Hospital, was granted permission to use the school organisation in research projects, to
establish the incidence of deafness (a) in children suffering from cerebral palsy, and
(b) in educationally sub-normal children.
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