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On the other hand, I have the impression that at primary and
secondary level, all necessary instruction is deemed to be within
the scope of the school staff. Our original approach to the
schools, therefore, offered a demonstration of a series of Health
Education lessons complete with suggested visual aid material
for subsequent inclusion in the general curriculum under a permanent
member of the school staff. The first ventures, however,
have brought requests for repetitions, which are flattering indications
of success, but somewhat embarrassing because of the
limited time which one officer can give to this aspect of the
work. Further comments by Miss Elliott are included in later
pages.
As far as infectious illnesses were concerned, it was an
unfortunate year since an outbreak of measles in the early months
caused widespread absences and influenza in the autumn involved
very large numbers. The extent of the latter epidemic is described
in my general health report.
The principal Dental Officer comments on difficulties from
lack of staff and in New Addington, the absence of suitable
accommodation. Efforts to reduce the cost of a dental unit in
this area by adding to the existing clinic were, unfortunately,
unsuccessful because the site is unsuitable and a fresh approach
was needed to obtain a new surgery to serve the estate. Meanwhile,
children were diverted to the Shirley Dental Centre, but the
urgent need to improve facilities for New Addington were still
unsolved by the end of the year.
An endeavour has been made by the School Nurses to test the
vision of school entrants. Success has varied and although early
ascertainment is clearly desirable, it seems doubtful if reliable
results can be achieved with children of five years of age.
Whether at a slightly older age, the effort may be justified by
results, remains a matter for future reports.
My thanks are due to the Chief Education Officer and other
members of his department for their help and co-operation at all
times.
I thank the Chairman and Members of the committee for their
constant encouragement in further worthwhile developments and
the members of the department for their performance of routine
duties and enthusiasm in suggesting and applying new improvements.
Public Health Dept.,
Croydon.