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104
of their children yet fail to appreciate the fact that it is essential in
the first place to secure for them perfect health.
During the year the Medical Department receives frequent
requests for special treatment at the school clinics, be they for the
provision of glasses, the treatment of squint or defects of the ear;
these requests frequently come from parents who have refused toallow
their children to be examined at routine inspection, or failed
to come when their children were examined. It is a routine to refuse
this specialised treatment until the children have been presented for
a full examination. To provide treatment without examination
would be unscientific and unwise. The fact remains, however, that
27% of the parents of Enfield who knew their children were being
medically examined did not think it essential to be present themselves
nor to be represented by a relative or friend. I am not arguing that
the percentage of parents who do attend in Enfield is lower than
elsewhere—it is probably as high or even higher than the average.
There are districts, however, where almost 100% of the parents attend
and this is what should pertain in Enfield, and something which the
Education Committee have a right to expect. It is extremely difficult
to help parents who are unwilling to help themselves. If, however,
this paragraph is a criticism of the 27% of absentee parents, it is alsoan
acknowledgement of the co-operation received from the remaining
73% who did attend.
CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS.
It has been stated, and rightly so, that the first line of defence in
the prevention of disease among school children is manned by the
school teachers, and that the success of a school medical department
depends on their whole-hearted co-operation. The teachers are in
daily contact with the children ; it is they who become aware of dullness,
listlessness, pallor, and general debility amongst their scholars.
It is they who often diagnose the first signs of infectious disease and
exclude children before they spread infection. Bearing this in mind I
cannot pay too high a tribute to the school teachers of Enfield for
their friendship and co-operation. Throughout the year at every
clinic children are seen who have been sent there on the advice of the
teacher. Many of these children have been found to be suffering
from defects, which except for the care and concern of the teachers
might have passed unnoticed.
CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL ENQUIRY OFFICERS.
Arrangements are in force by which the School Enquiry Officers,
on becoming aware of absence from school due to infectious disease
or contact therewith, notify the School Medical Officer. On the
other hand, the School Medical Department notifies the Director of
Education of similar cases in order that he may pass on the information
to the Enquiry Officers.