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43
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
William D. Hyde, M B., Ch.B., D.P.H.
For the year ending 31st December, 1948.
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, 1948.
The operation of the National Health Service Act, 1946, as
from the 5th July, 1948, had its effect on the School Health Service
as well as the other personal Health Services of the Council. The
School Health Service has been more closely integrated with the
personal Health Services now administered by the County Council.
The other sections of the National Health Service have also necessitated
changes, the full effects of which, beneficial or otherwise, are
not yet clear.
In my last report I referred to the difficulties experienced in our
endeavours to set up a Child Guidance Service and I regret that no
progress has been made. Further, it has not been possible to
provide improved school health clinic premises which are urgently
needed, but continual efforts will be made to achieve this end,
either as part of, or independent of, the general provision of health
centres.
The advent of the National Health Service has, of course,
created many difficulties in administration which it is hoped will
soon be successfully overcome.
I am glad to say that the basic functions of the School Health
Service have been well maintained, apart from dentistry, which
suffered a severe loss in the sudden death of Mr. C. E. James,
Senior Dental Officer, who had served as School Dentist in Enfield
since May, 1921. Further resignations from the Dental Service in
favour of general practice have caused disorganisation, which
shows no immediate prospect of improvement. This is particularly
unfortunate in view of the co-ordination of the School Dental
Service with the Priority Dental Service for women and children
under the National Health Service, with the naturally increased
demands which are now being made.
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,