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117
The seven school nurses also conducted surveys in the schools
in their districts, to detect uncleanly and verminous conditions
among the children. An average of two visits was paid to each
school for that purpose, and 27,733 examinations of children
carried out. In 3,367 of these, or 12 per cent., the children were
found to show in some degree verminous conditions of the head
or body. The procedure set out in the Committee's Standing
Orders in respect of such conditions was adopted in these as in
the corresponding cases traced by head teachers.
Towards the end of the year the Committee requested a
report on the procedure in force, and this was about to be submitted
to the Medical Inspection Joint Sub-Committee at the time
of preparation of this report.
No legal proceedings were taken during the year in connection
with such cases, either under the Education Act, 1921, or
under the School Attendance Bye-laws.
Cleansing at Borough Disinfecting Station.
40 children were cleansed at the Disinfecting Station during
the year—35 for verminous conditions of the body, and 5 for
scabies. In all cases, the personal clothing and bedding underwent
steam disinfection, while the child received a cleansing bath
under the supervision of a health visitor. The room occupied
by the child was also disinfected, and facilities given for cleansing
other members of the household.
MEDICAL TREATMENT.
(a) Minor Ailments.
A school clinic is provided at 228, London Road, at which a
medical officer attends on one morning in each week to see children
attending for minor ailments, while a nurse is in attendance on
each morning during the week to continue treatment. An inspection
clinic is also held in the same premises once a week,
at which a medical officer examines cases referred from school, or
through other channels, for special detailed examination.
During the year 461 children made a total of 3,387 attendances
in connection with affections of the skin, various eye and
ear conditions, and other minor ailments.
Ringworm.—64 cases of ringworm of the scalp received
treatment; in 26 of these X-Ray treatment was provided by the
Committee. The treatment is given by a part-time X-Ray specialist,
the children attending at his surgery for the purpose.
Uncleanliness.—Particulars in regard to treatment for uncleanly
conditions are given in the preceding section.