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51
When we consider the effect of decaying teeth on health and
nutrition, we realise the importance of such a step in improving
the condition of the scholars, and the advisability of gradually
extending the system to include all the schools.
Work of the School Nurse.
With the development of the new scheme for dealing with
teeth and tonsils and adenoids, it was evident that the work was
beyond the powers of one Nurse.
The second Nurse appointed by the Committee took up her
duties in January, 1914.
In all their work the School Nurses are under the supervision
of the Medical Officers. They carry out treatment in minor cases
occurring in the schools for which they are responsible.
In all cases of absence from school due to illness, they are
notified by the Head Teacher on special cards. They visit at the
homes, and report on the cases to the Medical Officers and the
Education Department.
They conduct systematic inspections of the schools, and
follow up all cases of uncleanliness requiring attention. They
follow up cases referred from medical inspection, either to urge
the importance of medical treatment, or to endeavour to obtain a
higher standard of personal cleanliness, or to give advice on the
treatment of chronic, but neglected eye or ear disease. Unfortunately
many of these latter cases relapse when the nurses' visits
cease.
They also visit the schools to apply atropine ointment before
refractions are done.
The visiting in connection with the dental work and tonsils
and adenoids is also done by them, and this often means several
visits to one case before consent is obtained.