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81
(7) ARRANGEMENTS FOR TREATMENT.
Many of the conditions found at school medical inspection are able to be treated in
Barking. Some conditions, however, of necessity require hospital treatment.
(a) Malnutrition.—Cases of malnutrition are given milk either free or on payment
of one penny for one third of a pint of milk at school. More necessitous cases are given
free meals at special feeding centres. The children are weighed and specially examined
on the visit of the School Medical Officer to the School, and a review is made of the
progress of under-nourished children. A special report is completed by the School
Nurse in every case of malnutrition. This report discloses the home conditions, and
arising out of the visit, advice is given where necessary for an improved diet.
(b) Uncleanliness.—Children found in school suffering from uncleanliness of the
head or body are excluded by special form which is forwarded to the parents in a sealed
envelope, particulars also being given of measures to cleanse the head. Cases of vermin
and nits in the head are provided with special soap on attendance at the Clinics. Special
nit combs are also kept at the Clinics, and are loaned on payment of a deposit, to parents
who find difficulty in removing nits. In obstinate or difficult cases, the cleansing of a
head is undertaken by a School Nurse at the Minor Ailments Clinic.
Baths, if provided at Clinics and Schools, as I have already advised, would be of
great assistance not only in preventing uncleanliness amongst school children, but also in
treating children found to be dirty.
(c) Minor Ailments and Diseases of the Skin.—For the treatment of minor ailments
two Clinics are provided at present. Both Clinics are equipped to treat successfully
most cases of skin disease and other minor diseases and injuries which occur among school
children. The School Nurses do not carry out the work of the Minor Ailments Clinics,
however. These are conducted by arrangement by nurses of the Plaistow Nursing
Charity.
Since October, 1933, it has been found possible to provide more medical supervision
at the Minor Ailments Clinics on the Becontree Estate. A Medical Officer now attends
at 9 a.m. daily, six times a week.
Until the death of Dr. Angus Kennedy, of Plaistow, on the 11th January, 1933, the
treatment of Ringworm of the scalp by X-rays was undertaken by him on your behalf.
An arrangement has since been made with the London Hospital whereby this treatment
is undertaken by Dr. W. J. O'Donovan of that Hospital.
During the year, six school-children were treated under this arrangement with
the London Hospital.