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93
parents and patients, and difficult to enforce. If the prevailing
type of this infection continues it would seem justifiable to
consider its reclassification as a minor communicable disease.
Poliomyelitis, as always, occasioned concern in schools where
cases occurred. A statement was issued drawing attention,
amongst other matters, to the fact that avoidance of fatigue is an
important safeguard against paralysis. Thus it is the overindulgence
in strenuous swimming and not infection from the
swimming bath which may precipitate an attack of this distressing
complaint.
For physically handicapped children more accommodation at
the special day school is awaited as the delays before entry were
considerable.
Similarly with readier ascertainment and speed of assessment
more places were required at the special school for educationally
sub-normal children. It is hoped that extensions to the school
premises will soon be completed. There was great difficulty in
dealing with the few educationally sub-normal children for whom
residential schooling was required as no vacancies in existing
establishments were forthcoming.
The early and precise ascertainment of hearing defects were
given prominence during the vear and personal contact
established with the Deafness Clinic at the Royal Ear, Nose and
Throat Hospital. We would prefer to have such facilities locally,
but the relatively small number involved makes this impracticable.
Similarly children have had to be sent to the L.C.C. day special
schools and nursery schools for the deaf and partially deaf, and
this has meant somewhat lengthy car journeys for some of the
nupils concerned. Wherever possible, retention in an ordinary
school with a hearing aid was first considered.
The association between the School Health Service and the
hospitals bv the appointment of Medical Officers as Clinical
Assistants has continued. Pressure of work has compelled the
re-arrangement of the sessions so that they do not conflict with
periods available for direct school duties.
Once again, I am able to report that the overall picture
the health and well being of the children, as judged by average
heights and weights shows an improvement on the record figures
of the previous year.