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glad to learn that the School Medical Service is efficiently administered
and generally comprehensive. The Board also note
with satisfaction that the medical staff are taking a particular
interest in the scientific investigation of cases of anaemia and
debility and have also assisted in the drawing up of a dietary for
the provision of free meals which is based on modern research work.
I am to invite the Authority's attention to the following
observations and suggestions.
" (i) With the object of securing improved co-operation
between the School Medical Service and the Public Health
Services, it would be of advantage if the School Nurses were
also Health Visitors and devoted part of their time to each
service. The Authority might well bear this point in mind
in making future appointments to the nursing staff.
" (ii) Arrangements should be made for the retention
in hospital, for at least one night, of children who have had
tonsil and adenoid operations.
" (iii) It seems probable that some increase in the medical
staff would be needed to carry out inspection and treatment
work for secondary school children.
" (iv) It would probably be more satisfactory for the
routine inspection cards to be kept at the school clinics instead
of at the schools.
" (v) It is desirable to make provision for the treatment
of speech defects."
The Board would be glad to receive the Authority's observations
on the above matters in due course.
Observations by the School Medical Officer and Medical
Officer of Health—August 1938.
(i) Co-ordination of Duties.
During 1930, when the Council had under consideration the
appointment of School Nurses, I suggested that—in order to
avoid much unnecessary visiting and duplication of effort—nurses
with health visitors' qualifications should be appointed.