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58
County Borough of East Ham Education Committee
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the School
Medical Service for the year 1944.
It will be appreciated that insufficient time has elapsed for the
provisions of the new Education Act to become effective, and the
report, mainly statistical, is submitted in a form similar to that of
recent years.
In 1944 there was a minimum of 6,583 and a maximum of 12,110
children on the Elementary School Roll. The numbers for 1943
showed fluctuation from a minimum of 10,317 to a maximum of
11,307.
Elementary school children examined totalled 2,844, of whom
1,368 were re-examined at the time of re-inspection in the schools;
the inspection of scholars in the secondary schools was not completed
by the end of the year.
Medical examinations prior to evacuation increased during the
year and involved 1,839 as compared with 102 children in the year
1943.
Diphtheria immunisation clinics were continued at the various
centres and it is estimated that 70 per cent. of scholars have received
protective inoculations.
It was decided to continue the policy whereby re-admission and
admission to school should be subject to medical certification of fitness.
1,617 children were examined for this purpose at the school clinics.
In other directions, the full activities of the School Medical
Service have been maintained and adequate supervision has ensured a
high standard of health enjoyed by the school children.
I desire to express my gratitude to the Chairman Mrs. Councillor
Brace and Members of the Education Committee for their
help and continued support during a difficult period. I am also
indebted to Mr. A. A. Garrard, Mr. L. J. Dyer and the Head Teachers
for their invaluable assistance and willing co-operation throughout
the year.
My thanks are also due to the School Medical and Nursing Staff
for their efficient services.
I have the honour to be, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Malcolm Barker,
School Medical Officer.