View report page

2
Personal Hygiene
It is disappointing that there were more cases of scabies and of ringworm.
Well established methods of control, which in recent years have been
largely unnecessary, were re-applied, and should again prove fully effective,
Diseases of the Ear
The formerly dreaded mastoid infection has virtually disappeared, but a
new middle ear condition, which causes partial deafness, has become more
frequent. The special steps taken are described.
Handicapped Pupils
The building of a second school for E.S.N. pupils went forward, and in
view of the lengthy waiting list for such facilities will be of great benefit.
The pressure on the Child Guidance Clinic continued, and the decision to
strengthen the School Psychological Service will be helpful. The building
progress being made on the special school for maladjusted children suggests
that it should be completed next year. It was disappointing that the Nursery
Unit at the school for physically handicapped children could not be
authorised by the Department of Education and Science. Handicapped
children were accepted by the Health Committee for admission to Corporation
Day Nurseries, but this was possible only by lengthening the already
considerable waiting list for the central day nursery.
Immigrants
Originally no special facilities were provided but children were brought
forward as soon as possible at routine school medical inspections. This was
deliberate policy as we dealt with immigrant children on the same basis as
those whose parents moved to Croydon from other parts of the British Isles.
However, the establishment of a Reception Centre called for co-operation by
the School Health Service, and immigrant children are now medically examined
at this Centre. The Medical Officer concerned with this work has submitted a
special report. It shows that on the whole the health of these children gave
rise to no special problems.
Future of the School Health Service
Now that this is under discussion, the report which follows, covering the
work of a single year, clearly emphasizes the continuing need for this
service, however it is administered. That it has attained its present development
in Croydon is a tribute to 65 years of local authority direction. If a
different organisation is eventually to become responsible, it will have a
high standard to maintain, and a record which it is unlikely to surpass.