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36
neglected conditions of the teeth and throat found in the entrant,
and due very largely in my opinion to the loss of touch between
these two departments which takes place during this transition
period.
2.—Adequate means for the drying of children's clothes and
boots should be provided in all elementary schools.
3.—A register of all known cases of rheumatism should be
compiled, cases attending the school clinic for periodic examination
in much the same way as patients attend the Tuberculosis Dispensary.
4.—There should be medical and surgical treatment suited to
each case in school, home or clinic, and particular care should be
taken to remove any local infection in teeth or tonsils.
5.—Parents and teachers should be informed of the significance
of rheumatism and its early symptoms, of the dangers of neglecting
growing pains, sore throats, anaemia, etc., the symptoms explained
which indicate the possible onset of rheumatism, the importance
of rest in its treatment, and other means which may be taken to
guard a child from conditions such as damp rooms, damp boots
and clothing which predispose to the disease.
6.—Lastly where definite evidence of heart disease is apparent,
the child should be certified as a cripple and admitted to the Special
School where appropriate treatment could be meted out for his
condition. Although hospital accommodation throughout the
country for the treatment of rheumatism is hopelessly inadequate,
this lack may to some extent be surmounted locally by keeping
such children under regular supervision at the Child Welfare
Centre, the Special School and School Clinic, active and close
co-operation existing between such Centres and a Care Committee,
who, with the School Medical Officer, would advise in regard to
the home and social environment, after care, upbringing and
employment.
K. SIMPSON,
School Medical Officer