View report page

32
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
William D. Hyde, MB., Ch.B., D.P.H.
For the year ending 31st December, 1945.
To The Chairman and Members of the
Enfield Education Committee.
I have pleasure in presenting my Annual Report on the work of
the School Medical Department for the year ending 31st December,
1945.
The year was outstanding, firstly because of the termination
of hostilities and secondly because of the commencement of the
operation on the 1st April of the major portion of the Education
Act 1944. The first event brought a welcome relief to all, but it
occasioned several staff resignations of those who had retained
appointments during the war and who then desired to retire from
the School Medical Service. Consequently, all branches of the
service suffered to some extent from periods of disorganisation.
However, by the end of the year it had been possible to replace all
vacancies, and in regard to the Dental Service in particular, even
to attain the pre-war complement of staff.
The operation of the Education Act 1944 has caused considerable
changes in administration and procedure and the full
benefits of the Act can only gradually be realised. There is no
doubt, however, but that the handicapped school child will benefit
considerably as the facilities envisaged in the Act become available.
More than ever it is the responsibility of the School Medical Service
to ensure that every school child, no matter what may be the degree
and type of handicap, shall receive the medical attention and educational
facilities which are required.
In addition to the efforts being made along these lines, the
main aim of the School Medical Service must be a steady expansion
of its various functions, although it may be that its identity will
ultimately merge into a National Health Service.
It would appear that the immediate needs of the Enfield School
Medical Service are an expansion in the School Dental Service
(including orthodontic treatment) and the Orthopaedic Service.
There is also need for facilities to be provided locally for Special
School education for physically handicapped pupils and also Child
Guidance treatment.
In conclusion I wish to record my appreciation of the loyal
service given by the Members of the School Medical Staff.
William D. Hyde,
School Medical Officer.