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11
in breaks in continuity in pupils' surveillance. Accordingly, in a few
schools, it was decided on an experimental basis to change the spread of
general medical inspections which resulted in the Medical Officer visiting
the school more frequently, conducting fewer examinations per session
and therefore having more time for parent/teacher/doctor discussion on
selected pupils, whose progress in school was causing concern. Preliminary
reports on this pilot scheme are favourable and it is hoped to extend and
expand the service in 1972.
The departmental staff continued to work in close association with
the paediatric departments of the local hospitals and in particular with
the assessment of pre-school handicapped children. These children often
have continuing problems associated with their general care in the community
and, although the team approach may not solve all of them, it
often does at least lead to the introduction of helpful measures. Placement
in the most appropriate school environment for their particular disability
is, of course, of fundamental importance.
Difficulties in staffing of the school eye clinics has been mentioned
in previous reports and finally, in July 1971, the Council agreed to a
recommendation that they employ their own consultant ophthalmologist
to cover this service. The response to advertising was immediate and it is
pleasing to report that the ophthalmic service has continued from this
date without interruption.
The extremely low percentage of children found to be of an unsatisfactory
physical condition is worthy of note and probably gives an
indication of the generally good standard of health among local school
children.
A few years ago, I said that these reports were the record of work of
a department, which had many facets all geared in one way or another to
help the individual enjoy a full and happy life within the community, the
essential factor being teamwork, this teamwork not only being concerned
with inter-departmental sections but also with colleagues in other departments.
The report of 1971 deals with a much smaller department than
hitherto as many of its previous functions are now the concern of the
Social Services Department. However, the essential factor still remains
and that is the teamwork already mentioned.
I sincerely hope that the links and bonds forged amongst the staff
in the previous Health, Welfare and Children's Department during the
period 1964 to 1971 will be maintained and liaison between the Health
and Social Services Departments strengthened to produce a first class
service to the Borough.
In conclusion, may I say that this will be my final report as your
Medical Officer of Health as I will be seeking pastures new in South
Africa. I have spent an interesting and at times hectic 10 years in Harrow.
The opportunity of co-ordinating the work of a combined Health and
Social Services Department presented to me in 1965 was welcomed and