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Selective Medical Examinations
The planned introduction of a pilot scheme for selective medical examination
has not yet commenced as it was felt this should be held in abeyance until the final
pattern of school reorganisation was decided.
School Medical Rooms
During 1967 the gradual improvement of facilities in school medical rooms was
commenced. It is intended to carry out a review during 1968 to assess progress made.
Screening Prccedures
An important adjunct to the routine inspection of children is the frequent visiting
of schools by nursing or medical auxiliary staff for the purpose of screening
large numbers of children for defects. Such visits are made for the following purposes:-
(1) Audiometry
(2) Head Inspections
(3) Vision Testing
Audiometry
This is devised to detect even a slight loss of hearing at the earliest possible
opportunity which in certain cases may be before the child attends school. Normally
the first test is carried out shortly after admission to school and thereafter at two
to three-yearly intervals. Any loss of hearing is reported to the school doctor who
will examine the child to exclude some minor or temporary condition. Should he suspect
some more serious cause of deafness the child is referred either to his own
doctor, to the ear, nose and throat consultants, who hold sessions at the Council's
clinics, or to the audiology unit at Heston. The figures for testing during the year
were:-
Children tested 10,912
59