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2.
COUNTY BOROUGH OF EAST HAM EDUCATION COMMITTEE.
TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER 3 OP THE
EDUCATION COMMITTEE.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the School
Medical Department of the County Borough of East Ham, for the year
ended 31st December, 1940.
In 1939 there were 15,151 children on the Elementary School
Roll. The numbers for 194O showed considerable fluctuation from
a maximum of 9,008 to a minimum of 1,500.
The number of routine and special cases of elementary school
children examined totalled 3,883, of whom 1,254 were re-examined at
the, time of re-inspection in the schools.
As was the case last year, the information contained in my
report is mainly statistical and no new developments or departures
have occurred this year. From the data which will be found under
the separate sections of this report It will be appreciated that
the needs of the scholars, as regards health, physical development
and fitness, are being met in as complete and efficient a manner as
circumstances permit.
The Schools were open throughout the year until September 9th,
and during this period the School Medical Service continued to
function in all respects for the very reduced number of scholars
remaining in the area. Prom September 9th until December 2nd the
schools remained closed, and, so far as air-raid conditions would
allow, arrangements were made for the continuance of medical supervision
and treatment at the School Clinics, and for home visiting
by the School Nurses, with the object of maintaining as close contact'
as possible with the scholars. Education recommenced on December
2nd and it was decided to carry out a rapid, but complete,
cleanliness and general survey, followed by a routine medical
examination, of all children in attendance at school, with the
object of determining the effect of aerial bombardment, shelter
life and rationing upon the child population. At the same time the
full activities of the School Medical Service were resumed, and the
campaign to encourage attendance at the Clinics for protective
inoculation against Diphtheria was intensified. These measures
were well advanced by the end of the year, and the early results
are encouraging.
During the year the medical examination of 2,807 children
prior to evacuation has entailed considerable work, and at the outset
the numbers were so high that it became necessary to enlist the
services of local general practitioners, whose ready response and
complete co-operation were extremely gratifying.
I wish to express my appreciation of the keen interest and
loyal -co-operation of all the members of my staff, and my thanks
are also due to Mr. A. A. Garrard, Secretary to the Education
Committee, and to the Teachers, for their great help and courtesy
on innumerable occasions.
In conclusion, I respectfully beg to express my indebtedness
to the Chairman and Members of the Local Education Committee for
the earnest consideration and support that they have given to the
work of the School Medical Service.
I have the honour to be, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
School Medical Officer.