View report page

consent, a tuberculosis skin test is carried out and the children with a
positive reaction are referred to the chest clinic for x-ray to exclude
active disease.
At the age of 13, parents are again invited to allow the child to have
a tuberculosis skin test and if the reaction is negative, showing that
the child has not yet acquired a natural immunity, a protective
vaccination called B.C.G. is given.
The figure for B.C.G. vaccination in 1966 were:-
Number of children tested 2,420
Number of children vaccinated 2,161
Number of children positive 214
On notification of a case of active pulmonary tuberculosis in a
school-child, an investigation is carried out on all school contacts.
In the case of young children it takes the form of giving the skin test
and a subsequent x-ray at the chest clinic, of those who give a
positive reaction. The skin test is omitted for older children and adults
and all are offered an x-ray. There were 4 cases of pulmonary
tuberculosis notified in school children during the year, and
investigations on the above lines were carried out.
Regulations as to Infectious Disease
These Regulations are based on current Ministry of Health policy and set out
the types of infectious disease together with exclusion periods. All head teachers
have a copy.
HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
In addition to the everyday work of the School Health Service, which is largely
educative in nature, health visitors have for many years been playing an active part
in a specific health education programme in operation in the Borough. In order to
equip themselves for this work, two health visitors have attended a course extending
over 42 weeks on 'Modern Methods of Health Education'.
The programme is as follows:-
1) A series of talks to senior girls on all aspects of preparation for
adult life. The course consists of 12 one hour lessons and the
subjects include sex education, venereal disease and the harmful
effects of smoking. Ten senior schools participated in this programme.
During the year 120 talks were given to 315 children.
2) A series of talks to junior schools, consisting of two or three lessons
of one hour, on anatomy and physiology, particularly in relation to
changes at puberty. Ten junior schools are participating. During the
year 30 talks were given to 500 children.
3) In infants schools health education is confined to talks on dental
hygiene, illustrated by visual aids and a 'Noddy' film. This is now
largely undertaken by the recently appointed dental hygienist. During
the year 2 talks were given to 474 children.
69