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42
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
William D. Hyde, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H.
For the year ending 31st December, 1946.
To the Chairman and Members of the
Enfield Education Committee.
I have pleasure in presenting my Annual Report on the School
Health Service for the year ending 31st December, 1946.
The year was marked by an increase in the amount of work
carried out in all departments of the Service, during what was the
first complete year of post-war conditions. Many of the immediate
difficulties encountered in the new administration consequent upon
the passing of the Education Act, 1944, have been overcome, but
the steady expansion of the Service as envisaged in my last report
will, of necessity, take time to develop.
Staffing difficulties have been less acute during the year, but
on the provision of further clinic premises depends the future
development of the Service, and this aspect has had the consideration
of the Committee and preliminary steps have been taken in
this matter.
The services of a full-time Speech Therapist are now available
and arrears of work in this sphere are receiving attention.
The Dental Service requires expansion but this is dependent
upon the provision of new clinic premises. Arrangements have,
however, been made for children to receive Specialist Orthodontic
treatment.
The work of the orthopaedic clinic showed a marked increase,
facilities continuing to be available at Chase Farm Hospital.
The arrangements for Child Guidance treatment cannot be
considered adequate nor convenient for the district and it is hoped
that a local service, consisting of Psychiatrist, Psychologist and
Social Worker, will be inaugurated when accommodation is
available.
In conclusion, I wish again to record my appreciation of the
loyal service given by the Members of the School Medical Staff,
and in particular to refer to the departure of Mr. S. Macky who
for 14 years gave such excellent service as School Ophthalmic
Surgeon.
William D. Hyde,
Medical Officer.