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In addition 1,034 persons were examined at the South-West
Essex Technical College.
No case of active tuberculosis was found amongst the school
staff. Of the children, five boys had healed primary tuberculosis,
but none had any active disease. Of the girls, three had inactive
primary tuberculosis, three had active primary pulmonary tuberculosis,
one had active post-primary disease and one had active
pleurisy.
No active disease was found amongst the group examined at
the South-West Essex Technical College.
Medical Examination of Teachers. —For many years it has been
the custom to make each appointment to the staff of the Committee
subject to a medical examination, and since 1943 this examination
has included an X-ray examination of the chest, since no clinical
examination alone can exclude pulmonary tuberculosis.
The issue of Ministry of Health Circular 64/50 focussed
renewed attention on the need to ensure that no person with
respiratory tuberculosis should be engaged for employment which
involves close contact with groups of children, unless and until the
disease is arrested. Such persons were stated to require an X-ray
of the chest and, where possible, an annual re-examination.
Whenever possible the facilities of the Mass Radiography Unit
are used, but since this unit does not appear to be able to visit any
area more frequently than biennially, this is no effective substitute
to the medical examination and chest X-ray required by your
Committee.
It is understood that the Ministry of Education is considering
the recommendation of the National Joint Tuberculosis Council in
regard to the introduction of compulsory X-ray examination on
admission to teaching training.
(o) Artificial Light Treatment.—The total attendances for
treatment were 2,505.
(p) Integration of the Work of Special Schools and Clinics.—
Dr. Watkins reports the following interesting case :—
"The following is an interesting example of the value and
co-operation of various specialist clinics provided by a Local Education
Authority.
"A girl aged five years moved into this area with her parents,
and was found to have the dual handicap of complete deafness and
a congenital heart condition. She had apparently been in a residential
school for the deaf at the age of four, but was discharged when
it was found that she had a heart condition.