View report page

115
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.- In the Ilford schools there
was also rather an extensive outbreak of measles and influenza
lasting from January to March 1959 and at one time
the absence in most schools was as much as 50%.
At one of the Ilford schools there was a mild outbreak
of food poisoning due to C. Welchii which was traced to meat
pies supplied for school meals - the apparent cause being
the slow cooling of large pies. Some 60 children and 5 members
of the staff were affected. As a result of investigation
the Public Health Laboratory suggested smaller pies which
should not be cooked overnight. This recommendation was
passed to the Education Department for action.
MINOR AILMENT CLINICS.- The Minor Ailment
clinics functioned as amended on 1st December 1958, a full
session weekly being operated at both the Mayesbrook and
Newbury Hall Clinics. In addition facilities were afforded
forany urgent cases to consult the doctor at the immunisation
clinics held weekly at Mayesbrook Clinic and the Public
Health Offices.
NEW OR ORIGINAL WORK.- Upon his appointment
to the staff Dr. G. B. Taylor took over Health Education
with particular reference to lectures and films in schools.
He has commenced interviewing individual Headmasters with
a view to introducing talks in schools about the association
of lung cancer and cigarette smoking. The majority view so
far is that most Headmasters will welcome a lecture on
cancer and smoking, giving the facts as they are known to
date. It is appreciated, however, that schools do differ in
their needs for general health education, but it is hoped to
overcome any problems by good liaison between the medical
authorities and the teaching profession.
SPECIALIST SERVICES.- The various specialist
clinics functioned as in previous years and these are the
subject of separate reports by the Consultants included
under the particular Clinic details.
STATISTICS.- The Ministry of Education Annual
Returns and the summary of heights and weights over a period
of 10 years are printed at the end of this Report.