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skin diseases hospital. Plantar warts continued to be a great nuisance to
many children. Advantages of bare feet activities were again questioned.
However if barred for drill and games, the problem of swimming would remain,
for which no disinfection techniques give certain protection.
Defects of Vision
Comments are made about a survey of 13 year old children, for whom
glasses had been prescribed. Nearly one quarter were not wearing their
spectacles for a variety of somewhat doubtful reasons.
Mental Health
In-service group discussion sessions for school medical officers, with
the Psychiatrist from the Child Guidance Clinic continued. Fewer children
were referred to the Clinic, and more were undoubtedly helped directly by
the school doctors, as a result of the knowledge and support gained through
these discussion sessions.
Nutrition
Despite evidence of children being sent to school without breakfast,
obesity was still the greater danger to future health and longevity. As explained
it indicates not merely an excessive food intake, but also a faulty
dietary. Remedial efforts were continued.
Dental Services
Mr. W.G. Everett, the Chief Dental Officer, left to join the Department
of Education and Science. He had a particular interest in preventive
dentistry, an aspect also deemed of great importance by his successor,
Mr. J.D. Palmer.
Deafness
The report on services to meet this defect notes the addition of a fourth
unit at Riddlesdown School. The Committee's comprehensive scheme covering
all day facilities has been built up, despite great staffing shortages, over
the last five years. The outbreak of rubella in 1962 resulted, despite efforts
by obstetricians, in a sudden increase of children with congenital hearing
defects. They are now assured of an adequate remedial service.
Building Programme
Work began on the second school for E.S.N. children and plans were prepared
for the new school for maladjusted pupils. The nursery unit at St. Giles
School for the Physically Handicapped was deferred by the Department of
Education and Science. The survival, through surgery of the newly born, of
gravely handicapped children makes this a growing need. It was contained by
placing such children in Corporation day nurseries, or reimbursing charges to
private nursery groups. The latter cannot accept the most serious cases, and
there are long waiting lists of priority group mothers for day nursery vacancies