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126
staffing difficulties resulting from the resignation, transfer and
sickness of members of the Staff; except for the transfer of one
school nurse to the Dental Clinic for a period of seven weeks the
Department has been unusually fortunate in this respect.
(a) (ii.) Administration and Clerical Staff.
In previous reports an attempt has been made to outline the
scheme of organisation, administration and co-ordination of the
School Medical Service but, without an inside knowledge of the
clerical work performed in the office, it is quite impossible to
assess the marked degree to which the success of the Department
depends upon efficient clerical administration.
The ordinary office routine is intricate and requires
meticulous care and precision in order to ensure smooth and
efficient arrangements for medical and dental inspection, re-inspection,
clinic attendance (15 clinics are held each week), following
up, general cleanliness and sanitary surveys, the examination
of special cases referred through various channels, the keeping of
the necessary accounts and stock, and for prompt action in regard
to notification of infectious and contagious diseases, in regard to
notification of entrants, transfers, promotions and changes of
address, and in regard to ensuring the reception and despatch of
medical records.
The filing and compilation of complete and up to date records,
schedules, and statistics is imperative, requires careful organisation
and involves a great deal of thought and management in order
to ensure the minimum amount of necessary work commensurate
with a maximum amount of efficiency and accuracy.
No important alteration in clerical organisation and
administration has been considered necessary during the year
1930.
The resignation of Mr. F. Read, the Senior Clerk was
received with much regret. Fortunately Mr. G. Friend, who was
transferred from the General Office to the vacancy, has filled the
breach very satisfactorily and our programme and scheme of work
has suffered very little in consequence.