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A case of pulmonary tuberculosis was found at the Enfield Technical College
in November and steps were taken, in conjunction with the staff of the chest clinic,
to test immediate contacts of the student. Of the 77 students, lecturers and staff
who were skin tested, 66 were found to be positive and nine negative. They were
then referred to the chest clinic for X-ray and further investigation if necessary.
No further cases of tuberculosis were discovered. Arrangements were made for
the Mass X-ray Unit to visit the College in March, 1967.
(See Statistical Table 59.)
EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN
In accordance with the bye-laws made under the Children and Young Persons
Act, 1933 (amended by the Education Acts), it is necessary for a certificate to be
issued by a medical officer in the service of the local authority that employment
will not be prejudicial to the health or physical development of the child, and will
not render him unfit to obtain proper benefit from his education. Four hundred
and ninety-six children were examined for employment certificates and nine for
entertainment certificates. Power also exists under Section 59 of the Education Act,
1944, to prohibit or restrict the employment of a child if it appears that such
employment is prejudicial to his health or is rendering him unfit to obtain the full
benefit from his education. No action was needed under this Section.
CHILDREN IN CARE
There are six homes accommodating 71 school children under the control of
the Children’s Officer. These are visited about six times a year during the school
holidays by a medical officer who advises on diet, general health matters and
hygiene of the homes, and medically examines children on admission, annually, and
on discharge. Each child is on the list of a general medical practitioner for medical
treatment. At the request of the London Borough of Barnet, two of that authority's
homes which are situated in this Borough and which provide accommodation for 24
children are also medically supervised by our medical officers.
Statutory medical examinations and general medical care of children placed
in foster homes are dealt with by general medical practitioners.
PREVALENCE AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Winter (Epidemic) Vomiting
A number of schools again reported minor outbreaks of epidemic vomiting.
No cause for this type of illness has yet been found but it is thought to be a virus
infection, although this has not yet been confirmed bacteriologically.
The children usually appear to be quite well after 48 hours but are excluded
from school for one week to try to limit the spread of infection.
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