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39
(g) Crippling Defects and Orthopædics.
Advice has been given to parents whose children have
crippling defects, and several are receiving electrical, massage,
and other forms of treatment at the Red Cross Curative
Post, under the direction of the Visiting Orthopædic
Specialist.
The Central Aid Society has been most helpful in assisting
the School Medical Service in obtaining letters for
hospitals, fares to London, payments for massage, etc., in
cases where the parents cannot afford to pay.
When notified by the School Medical Officer, the
National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children has
aided in following up and in urging parents to obtain essential
treatment, with satisfactory results.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
There was no school closure during the year for infectious
disease.
On the whole the Schools have enjoyed a comparatively
good year, the absence of diphtheria being highly satisfactory.
There were outbreaks of measles at Bonner Hill Road,
Richmond Road, and St. Paul's Infants' Schools during the
months of January, February, March and April.
There was very little scarlet fever for the first six
months, but during the last half of the year a mild form
has been in evidence, though not reaching epidemic proportions.
FOLLOWING-UP.
The following-up of children suffering from defects is
carried out by the School Medical Officer and School Nurse,
aided in some instances by the teachers and attendance
officers.
The method of procedure was set out in my Annual
Report for 1921.
The work of the School Nurses may be briefly summarised
as follows :—
They prepare beforehand for Routine Medical Inspections
at the Schools, by weighing, measuring, and applying
rough vision tests.
A Nurse is present to assist the School Medical Officer
at Routine Medical Inspections and re-inspections.