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16
School Health Service.
One of the most valuable features of routine medical inspection of
pupils in school is the opportunity afforded to parents of being present at the
examination and of conferring with the school doctor. At the first routine
medical examination (of entrants) over 95 per cent, of parents were present ;
but by the time that the third medical examination (of leavers) was reached
the number of parents who availed themselves of the invitation to be present
had fallen to as low as 30 per cent. Whereas it is natural that mothers should
feel their presence is required at the young child's first medical examination,
it is equally important that they should be present at the child's final examination,
for it is then that the school doctor may be able to supply valuable
information and advice.
In August there was put into operation a new scheme for the protection
against tuberculosis by B.C.G. vaccination of older school children, and full
information regarding the arrangements is furnished on pages 158 to 160.
Unfortunately the response to the offer of vaccination was much lower than
expected, and it is hoped that parents will become more inclined to take
advantage of the facilities offered.
As the clinical work on which it was based was carried out in connection
with the public health services of Leyton Corporation, my Presidential Address
of that year to the Society of Medical Officers of Health (Home Counties Branch)
was included in my Annual Report for 1936. Now, after the lapse of almost
20 years, I am pleased to be able to include in this Report another Presidential
Address—that delivered by my colleague Dr. Mary Gilchrist last year at the
beginning of her year of office as the first woman President of the School
Health Service Group of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Although
addressed to school doctors, Dr. Gilchrist's paper (see pages 131 to 138) contains
much clinical and administrative wisdom based on experience in Leyton
schools, and much information of interest to those responsible for educational
policy and administration.
Acknowledgments.
To the long succession of Mayors, Aldermen and Councillors I have
served I am grateful for encouragement or support accorded to me, and
especially for the helpful interest shown by Chairmen and members of the
Committees concerned with the work of the Health Department.
It is my privilege to be able to acknowledge the co-operation and
collaboration I have received for over a quarter of a century from all persons,
organisations and institutions concerned in the promotion of the health and
happiness of Leyton residents—doctors and dentists, nurses and midwives,
teachers and taught, mothers and children.
It is, however, to those with whom I have been most closely associated
in my day-to-day work—my colleagues who comprise the staff of Leyton
Health Department—that I owe my deepest debt of gratitude. At all times
their industry, efficiency and loyalty have been a source of great comfort and
inspiration, and I am proud to have had the opportunity of serving the public
in their company.