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(e) Tuberculosis.—Ten suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis
requiring to be kept under observation were found at
routine medical inspection. One definite case of pulmonary
tuberculosis in which the disease was quiescent and therefore had
to be kept under observation, and 8 suspected cases were found on
special inspection.
One case of tuberculosis of the ankle requiring to be kept under
observation was found at routine medical inspection and one case
of tuberculosis of the glands requiring treatment was found on
special examination.
(/) Deformities.—The crippled children under supervision
at the end of the year numbered 28. One of these was so severely
affected that he was unable to attend an ordinary elementary school
and was maintained at a Special School.
As has been pointed out in previous Annual Reports, the list
of crippled children of school age is practically a complete one
and is compiled from information received from the health visitors
who transfer to the School Medical Department the records of
such children as attain five years of age, from the teachers, the
school nurses, and the school enquiry officers, all of whom immediately
supply particulars regarding crippled children encountered
in the course of their duties.
Each crippled child newly admitted to school is examined
by the orthopaedic surgeon at the earliest possible opportunity
and all crippled children are examined at least once a year to determine
their exact condition, or to estimate their progress and put
them forward for any treatment that is required under the Committee's
Orthopaedic Scheme. The ascertainment of crippled
children under school age through the Child Welfare Centres,
and their submission to treatment in the early years of life before
being admitted to schools, not only enables early treatment to
be effectively carried out, but relieves to a large extent the crippling
condition and reduces the amount of treatment required when they
enter school.