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school, it may be pointed out that no instance has arisen of
these children infecting healthy scholars, though careful enquiry
on this point has been made among the teachers.
Before arranging for treatment each case is carefully
examined by the S.M.O. and all the severe cases are excluded
and arrangements made for treatment elsewhere.
Tuberculosis The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis
in its early stages is one of the most difficult problems which
fall to the lot of the S.M.O. It is not always possible or desirable
to undress a child sufficiently for a complete examination,
the room used for medical inspection may be too noisy or too
cold and the average time spent on each child is necessarily
short. It has been the custom in this district to refer suspicious
cases of phthisis for further examination; records of the
monthly weights of the children are kept by the teachers and
the children are periodically examined at the office of the
S.M.O.
In doubtful cases enquiries are made into their home
circumstances through the kindness of the Central Aid Society,
extra food is provided where necessary, or the children are sent
to convalescent homes.
The importance of learning the home surroundings of
suspicious cases cannot be over estimated. In one case, S.F.,
aged six, was examined at Rothschild Road School and noted
as a delicate child although no definite signs of lung disease
were detected. On enquiry it was found that the child slept
with a sister L.F., aged 11, who was suffering from Phthisis
Steps were taken to remove L.F. to a Sanatorium and to point
out to the mother the importance of a separate sleeping room
when the girl was discharged.
During 1909 several children have obtained benefit from
residence in North wood Sanatorium, where the Council maintain
three beds.