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113
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
School Health Department,
Hanover House,
Lyon Road,
Harrow,
Middx.
To The Chairman and Members of The Education Committee.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have pleasure in presenting the first Annual Report of the School
Health Service in the London Borough of Harrow.
Prior to 1st April, 1965, the Borough of Harrow as part of Middlesex
received its local health authority services through arrangements made by
the County Council. Since 1948, the school health service of Middlesex
had been closely integrated with the other health services and, as this
arrangement had worked extremely well, a similar pattern was perpetuated
in the new London Borough. This integration of health services for the
pre-school and the school age groups allows for the joint use of medical,
dental nursing and other staff, as well as of clinic premises. Thus, apart
from the advantages from the economic—both in money and in staff—
point of view, a continuity of medical supervision throughout childhood is
made possible. Not only is the preventive aspect of early diagnosis ensured,
but any defect which might affect scholastic attainment is brought to light
and treatment organised at a very early stage, thus ensuring that as far as
possible most children are in a position to develop the maximum benefit
from the education provided.
The continuation of a service already in being, with no major changes
in its fundamental characteristics, all made the assumption by the London
Borough of Harrow of its school health duties a relatively smooth procedure.
During the year, there were some staffing difficulties, especially with
doctors and dentists, resulting in some diminution in the actual numbers
of school children receiving a medical and dental inspection. However,
by the end of the year, there were signs of improvement, especially as
regards dental staffing.
The various aspects of the school health service are dealt with in
detail in the report itself and will, it is hoped, give some idea of the scope
and content of the services provided to promote and maintain the health
of the school child in Harrrow.