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Of the 4,832 children eligible for B.C.G. vaccination, the parents of 3,801
children (78.7%) consented to have a tuberculin skin test carried out, and B.C.G.
vaccination if necessary. A total of 3,718 children had a tuberculin skin test and
3,304 (89.9%) were found to require vaccination; of these 3,296 (99.8%) were
vaccinated.
Owing to the re-organisation of the senior schools, the usual vaccination programme
could not be carried out in the Autumn term of 1967. The number
vaccinated in 1968 is, therefore, considerably greater than in the previous year.
In September, B.C.G. was offered to students at both the technical colleges and
63 students completed consent forms. Eighteen attended for skin testing of whom
eleven were negative and were vaccinated; six were found to be positive and one
failed to attend.
(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. The 401 children
examined for employment certificates and four for entertainment certificates were
found to be fit.
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 during the year.
CHILDREN IN CARE
There are five homes, with accommodation for 69 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 and
annually. Each child is on the list of a general medical practitioner for medical
treatment.
Children from the two homes in Brownlow Road, which were closed during the
year, are now accommodated at Brownlows. The Ridgeway. 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.
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