London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Enfield 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]

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47
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
William D. Hyde, M B., Ch.B., D.P.H.
For the year ending 31st December, 1947.
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, 1947.
The year may be considered as one of consolidation rather
than expansion, and 1 am unable to report any marked progress
in the provision of more extensive medical facilities or more
adequate clinic provision. Indeed, although it has been possible to
increase the number of sessions available for Orthoptic treatment
from four to six per week, and to increase the Orthopaedic sessions
from one to two per month, it is necessary to record that it was not
possible to make an appointment of Speech Therapist to fill the
vacancy created by the resignation of the previous Speech Therapist.
Further, our arrangements for Child Guidance Treatment with the
Woodside Child Guidance Training Centre have ceased as this
clinic has removed to a new and more distant address, and is
unable to continue to provide its services as formerly. Unsuccessful
efforts have been made to make arrangements with various London
Hospitals. It was hoped to secure suitable premises in Enfield or
erect a new building in order to set up our own Child Guidance
Service but various proposals in this direction have not yet come
to fruition.
The inadequacy and unsuitability of some of the School Health
Clinics have been realised for a long time, and, although schemes
have been outlined for extensions and new buildings, the immediate
prospects are not bright. However, efforts will continue to be made
to overcome all difficulties and the enthusiasm of Members and
Officers should lead to satisfactory results in due course.
In conclusion, I wish again to record my appreciation of the
loyal service given by the members of the School Health Staff.
William D. Hyde,
Medical Officer.