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41
GENERAL SURVEY
OF THE
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE
The Board of Education, Form 6 M, desires that the Reports for 1942
might be as brief as possible, and the following is the information which the
Board particularly ask for.
(a) Nutrition.
The summary of heights and weights over 10 years which is printed at the
end of this Report in Table VI A. and B. shows no appreciable change.
I have added the heights and weights of the children at the Camp Schools
for the past 3 years for comparative purposes. (Table VI C.)
(b) Incidence of Pediculosis and Scabies.
(i) Pediculosis.—This shows a further increase, 63 children being found
to be infected with living vermin as against 36 in 1941 and 10 in 1940.
(ii) Scabies.—This also shows a further increase, 374 cases (48 from
routine medical inspection) being seen at the Minor Ailment Clinics, as
compared with 109 in 1941 and 25 in 1940. In addition to the 374, 13 cases
were treated privately. There was no particular incidence in any one School.
Changes in Staff.—(a) Medical.—Dr. M. B. Marchant commenced
duties as Assistant School Medical Officer on the 16th February.
(6) Health Visitors and School Nurses.—Miss K. Mathieson terminated
her appointment on the 28th February, and Miss F. S. Leader commenced
on the 14th December.
School Premises.—There are 25 schools, with 42 departments, 14,665
children were actually on the rolls on 12th December, 1942, as compared
with 12,299 in December, 1941.
The number of children in average attendance at school for the year
ended 18th December, 1942 =11,447.
On the 12th December, 1942, 1,766 children were in reception areas
evacuated under the Government Evacuation Scheme and there were
approximately 2,250 private evacuees.
The Sanitary Inspectors have paid the usual monthly visits to the
elementary schools (1) to enquire as to the milk supplies, (2) to inspect the
sanitary arrangements. 363 visits have been made during the year.
Medical Inspection.—In accordance with the Board's Circular, 1523,
dated the 21st August, 1940, a rapid survey of all the children in the schools
was carried out during each term to September, 13,525 examinations were
made, 199 were recommended for special treatment and 171 for supplementary
nourishment; since the issue of the Board's circular, 1604, dated 28th
August, 1942, the School Nurses have carried out "Rapid Surveys" at the
Bchools. 6,512 examinations were made, 62 were recommended special
treatment and 94 for supplementary nourishment. In addition, a full
routine medical examination is made of all the following children seen at
each survey:—