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79
are first examined at School or Clinic and referred for such treatment
as may be necessary. Arrangements are then made through
this office for application by the X-ray Operator, Orthopaedic
treatment at the Balaam Street Hospital, or operations for Strabismus
at the Royal Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital, as the case
may be, and that scholars concerned are subsequently kept under
observation at the School Clinic.
In consequence of the operation of the Schemes in connection
with these facilities, together with the provision of Light treatment,
the extension of the arrangements for Ophthalmic treatment,
in addition to Dental and other forms of Medical treatment, the
administrative and clerical work of the Department has considerably
increased and become of more consequence, and the
further extensions of the School Medical Service, contemplated by
the Committee, are bound to add to the responsibilities and duties
already involved.
The Education Authority accept financial responsibility for all
forms of treatment recommended by the Medical Inspectors, provided
that the required written authority has been issued by me,
and parents contribute towards the cost in accordance with the
Authority's Scale. The collection and recovery of fees and the
various financial arrangements in connection with the Authority's
Treatment Schemes are carried out entirely by the staff of the
School Medical Service, and it is pleasing to record that there is
complete co-operation with the staff of the Borough Treasurer's
Department in relation to all financial matters affecting the Service.
(b) Towards the termination of routine medical inspection
in each school, teachers are requested to bring before the School
Medical Officer any special cases who may require examination,
and to include amongst these all cases falling within the category
of " exceptional children "(Table III). In this way an annual
census of all cripples is rendered possible, whilst particulars may
be obtained and advice given as to their progress and treatment.
During the year 1927 a special visit was made to all the schools
with a view to ensuring that no " exceptional children " had been
overlooked. 474 children were examined for this purpose and the
following table indicates the result of this special survey:—