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8.
SYNOPSIS OF CASES REFERRED TO EAST HAM I.C.A.A.
"BY SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE DURING 1940.
Diseases from which the children were suffering:-
Tuberculosis 8
Pre-Tuberculosis 9
Cervical adenitis 1
Bronchial conditions 4
Debility and Malnutrition 2
Infantile Paralysis 2
Spina Bifida 1
27
Action taken:-
Convalescent treatment 14
Surgical instruments provided 3
Parents refused treatment offered 2
Sanatorium treatment 8
27
Delicate, debilitated and physically defective children,
who require change of air and environment and the regulation
and routine of a healthy life have derived great benefit as
the result of the keen activity of the Local Branch of the
Invalid Children's Aid Association.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
Despite the shortage of certain items of diet considered
of importance during the period of growth, in general the nutrition
of the scholars is good.
War conditions have rendered the Central Dining Centres
somewhat impracticable, but the Teaching Staffs have overcome
this difficulty by arranging for meals to be prepared and
served in the Schools. In several cases manifesting signs of
early mal-nutrition a marked improvement has resulted from
the attendance of the children for the dinners thus provided.
The meals are excellent, the cost is small, and the Head
Teachers, so ably assisted by Teachers and older girl scholars,
are performing a very valuable service in this connection.
Under present circumstances, as many parents as possible
are being encouraged to allow children to remain at school for
the mid-day meal, and a rapidly increasing number are availing
themselves of this privilege.
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
During the year 1940 the number of parents who were
present at the routine medical inspections was 3,322 (2,857
in 1959), that is. 85.4 per cent. of the cases examined (81.1
per cent. in 1939).
CO-OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY BODIES.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children has been of great assistance in our efforts on behalf
of children whose parents have proved indifferent or stubborn.