View report page

2
Cleanliness Inspections and Minor Ailments
Following representations by Head Teachers, the former system of
routine examinations every term in all schools was replaced by the selection
of those known by past experience as likely to have infested pupils.
In these schools there was a greater total of children examined, but fewer
were found infested. Scabies, a communicable skin infestation, has been
reported as increasing in prevalence throughout the country, and more
children were treated in Croydon for this condition than in the previous
two years. The total number (27) was small, but the return of this troublesome
itching complaint, which was a particular nuisance during the war
years 1939 - 1945, is so far without explanation. It is hoped that prompt
diagnosis and effective treatment (for which we have kept facilities at
the Disinfecting Station) will again lead to it virtually disappearing. At
School Minor Ailment Clinics the cure of warts was the major item of
treatment, and one child had an unusual reaction which is described in
detail.
Eye Defects.
The numbers requiring correction by glasses exceeded available
facilities, and it was necessary to open a School Eye Clinic at New
Addington.
Nervous and Psychological Defects
Support was given to a study day on Epilepsy sponsored by the
British Epilepsy Association and held at John Ruskin School. Three
study sessions for staff concerned with children and adolescents, on
the subject of "Drug Dependence" were arranged in conjunction with the
Education Department, and held at the Denning Hall.
The School Medical Officers recommenced their regular bi-weekly
training discussion groups with the Medical Director of the Child Guidance
Clinic. This continues a long tradition first begun in 1950 by the
late Dr. T. P. Rees. Since all School Medical Officers work also at
Corporation Child Health Centres, it is an important aspect of preventive
mental health services.
Handicapped Pupils
Descriptions of existing services and those in course of provision,
covered in the Report, show how the Committee have met the needs of
these less fortunate children. Recent discussions about the optimum
size of an Education Authority suggested very large population units
were essential to permit specialist services. For School Health Service
purposes the range Croydon is able to span is clear proof that a total
population of 330,000 is more than adequate if care is taken to integrate
hospital and local authority resources.