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— 47 —
Non-routine examinations numbered 18 new cases who were
presented by the Head-teachers at school, 395 submitted for reinspection
on account of some defect previously found and 1,439
examined at the School Clinic. The number of the non-routine
cases presented by the Head-teachers for examination in school
is small because the Head-teachers may at any time refer defective
or suspected defective children for examination at the School Clinic.
It consequently follows that the number of children examined at
the School Clinic is high in comparison.
In all 4,629 children attending the elementary schools were
examined or re-examined during the year. The total number of
children on the school registers was 6,412, and the average number
in attendance was 5,573, making an average attendance of 86.9.
per cent. Taking the number of children medically examined as
4,629 it means that 72.2 per cent, of the children on the register
were medically examined during the year.
In the course of medical inspection there is very little disturbance
of the usual school arrangements, for in most of the
schools the teachers' room is available for the purpose. In only
a few is it necessary to occupy a class-room, and if this is necessary
the class which usually occupies the room can readily be joined
with another, or the participation of the class or classes in the usual
open-air games at that time can facilitate the vacation of the room
for medical inspection.
The attendance of parents at the routine inspections is very good.
As many as 81.2 per cent, of the children inspected were accompanied
by at least one parent. This high percentage indicates
not only the great interest of the parents in medical inspection
but their estimation of its importance. The presence of the parents
enables them to receive information regarding any defects present
in the children and to receive instruction on the supervision of
their health, particularly in the preservation of the teeth, the
necessity of plenty of fresh air and regular exercise, the value of
good food, etc. There can be no doubt that the parents year by
year appreciate more and more the School Medical Service.