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101
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
for the year 1971
To the Chairman and Members of the Education Committee
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to present the annual report on the School
Health Service in the new Royal Borough for 1971.
I have the following comments to make on certain items:
School Health Service
The population of maintained schools in the borough increased
by 570 pupils during the year.
Of the 4,892 children examined at periodic medical inspections
654 (15.4 per cent; were found to be in need of treatment. This
compares with 680 (11.8 per cent) for 1970. Of those examined only
five children were found to be in an unsatisfactory condition.
Vaccination and Immunisation
During the year immunisation against rubella (German measles)
was offered to all girls between their 11th and 13th years. The
acceptance rate was high and 1,387 girls received protection. This
immunity is given to prevent infection during pregnancy, with the
attendant high risk of foetal abnormality.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy for pre-school children continued to be a most
important part of the work undertaken by the therapists. During the
year a special class for speech defective children was opened in
accommodation in a school in Chessington. The value of the intensive
therapy which is given in the class has been proved and it has been
possible for several children to return to ordinary schools.