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52
followed up in order to see that the treatment recommended
was carried out. In addition to these, special cases were
referred to the School Medical Officers for observation and
treatment at the Offices. These cases consisted mainly of
ringworm, of which there was a considerable number during
the year. The total number attending at the Offices was
116. These cases received treatment from the Doctors and
the School Nurse. Many of them were of an obstinate nature,
and had to be kept under observation for months.
REMEDYING OF DEFECTS.
In the previous paragraph the method adopted in the
treatment of Ringworm, Impetigo and obstinate Ringworm
has been shown. With regard to other defects a very considerable
improvement has been noted. In the case of nose
and ear defects cases are now referred to the local Cottage
Hospital, where monthly a specialist from London attends,
and in this way a large percentage of the cases has been
dealt with. A good many cases also attend the London
hospitals. The total attended to at the local hospital was 83.
The difficulty hitherto experienced was that parents would
net take the trouble to undergo the expense of journeying to
London, which generally meant a whole day.
HOME CIRCUMSTANCES, Etc.
I should say that the circumstances during the year were
as good at any rate as any previous year. There was scarcely
any unemployment, but there did not appear to be much
diminution in the way of mothers going out to work.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
I am afraid I cannot report much diminution in this
respect. For the last three years the attendance at the
Schools has been greatly affected by infectious disease, but
from previous experience I have found that such bad years
appear to occur in cycles.