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(i) Convalescent Home Treatment.—65 children were sent
away for convalescence during 1956. There were two children
remaining in convalescent homes and hospital schools on December
31st, 1956.
(j) Tuberculosis.—The number of school children examined
for the first time during the year was 112 boys and 138 girls, of
whom 19 boys and 27 girls were referred by the school medical
staff and 66 boys and 69 girls by private practitioners. 27 boys
and 42 girls were examined as contacts.
(k) Ultra Violet Light Treatment.—The total attendances for
treatment were 751.
9. PROTECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN AGAINST
TUBERCULOSIS
(a) Chest X-ray Examination of Teachers on Appointment.—
There has been no difficulty in insisting that all teachers on
appointment in Walthamstow be required to undergo a chest x-ray
examination. During 1956 the total of such examinations was 114.
Although the local Chest Clinic has been equipped with an
Odelca miniature x-ray apparatus, it has so far not proved possible
for staff to be referred as a routine.
Instead staff are referred to the Mobile Mass Radiography
Units and the static unit at Holloway Road, but the difficulties in
such an arrangement are obvious when compared with local
facilities.
The Mass Radiography Unit visited Walthamstow between
the 17th and 30th January and was stationed at the Old Monoux
School Buildings in High Street adjacent to the Chest Clinic.
Adults only were examined although children over 14 years of
age were able to attend the public sessions.
The Borough Education Officer in a circular to schools
stated:—
"It is the earnest wish of the Committee that as many as
possible of their staffs in all grades and especially those who have
never had a chest examination previously and those who suffer
from chronic or winter bronchitis will take advantage of the visit
of the unit and attend for examination."
Three afternoon sessions were reserved for teachers and
another three for other staff. Response from both teachers and