View report page

65
It is noteworthy that this is the first year that I have been able
to report that no cases of Ringworm of the Scalp or Body were
found. In the year 1910 and the three succeeeding years, when I
commenced the work of School Medical Inspection in Beckenham,
there was a yearly average of over 100 Children excluded from
School for shorter or longer periods on account of this condition.
It will be gratifying to the Committee to realise that the rigid
methods then adopted for exclusion, and the X-Ray Treatment
provided, have resulted in a steady diminution of cases, and we
have now had a full year without a single case. This is probably
the first time since the School population of the district reached
any size that the Schools have been free from the disease.
The arrangements made in 1924 for sending debilitated and
under-nourished children for short periods to the Parkstone Home
at Bournemouth were continued during 1925, and were utilised to
the fullest extent. The provision of four places was extended
during the year to six places so that four boys and two girls are
now under constant treatment. All the children sent to the Home
have benefited, and the results in some cases were very striking,
showing the influence of environment and suitable food.
The above, and other considerations, lead me to believe that
School Medical Inspection and Treatment is contributing its share
to the improvement that has been noticed in the general health of
the people, and to the considerable increase that has taken place
in the average duration of life.
I have the honour to be,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
J. M. CLEMENTS,
School Medical Officer.