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and with the requirements of the child in a world which
has undergone a social and cultural revolution and has seen
the relaxation of many forms of traditional discipline which
were, no doubt, stabilising factors in the production of
balanced and sound individuals. The School Health Service
has always been preventive in concept and practice although
the remedial and therapeutic sides of its work have also
been considerable. In the confusing and rather bewildering
world in which we nowadays live it is becoming more and
more difficult to lay down any general rules for healthy
living. Mere insistance on personal hygiene is no longer adequate
and note must be taken, at all times, of the whole
child physically, mentally, and psychologically, to ensure his
sound development and emotional equilibrium in the face
of the abnormal pressures and fears with which society is
beset. The tasks of Health Education are greater now and
more complicated than ever before, and I may say that far
more could be done in this respect given the necessary staff
and financial resources.
As in previous years, I wish to acknowledge the excellent
co-operation that exists between head teachers, parents,
school medical officers and health visitors and to refer to
the work of the education welfare officers whose reports on
families and individual children are instrumental in bringing
to our notice many departures from health as early as
possible.
I wish to record also, the excellent team work of all
members of the staff on which the success of the School
Health Service so largely depends and to express my appreciation
of the help which I have received during the year
from the Chairman and Members of the Committee, from
Miss Smith, the Senior Clerk, from the County Medical
Officer and his staff and from the Borough Education Officer
and his Department.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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