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6
With regard to infectious and communicable diseases, there was
the usual small outbreak of scarlet fever and tonsillitis and unfortunately
a return of bacillary dysentery, which has continued
into 1959.
Good progress was made in immunisation and vaccination
against smallpox, diphtheria, whooping cough, tuberculosis and
poliomyelitis. The means are now at hand to eradicate all these
diseases completely and the responsibility now rests with the public.
Acknowledgment must again be made of the co-operation of
parents and teaching staff in general, and of the school enquiry and
welfare officers.
Dr. Poole has contributed a report in regard to handicapped
children and has taken responsibility for the ascertainment and
placement of such children. He draws attention to the larger
proportion of emotionally disturbed children seen by the School
Medical Officers. A case committee was set up to consider the
employment of handicapped school leavers.
The Borough is extremely fortunate in possessing four special
schools, all established during the tenure of office by my predecessor,
the late Dr. J. J. Clarke. The reports of the Head Teachers
of the special schools refer to the fine work which they continued
to carry out during 1958.
As the time for my retirement draws near, I wish to record my
pleasure at having been permitted to work in such a progressive
Borough for nearly thirty years and to record the unfailing help
and consideration which I have received from the Chairman,
Members and Officers of your Committee and its predecessor, the
Walthamstow Education Committee.
1 would also record the excellent work which the staff of the
School Health Service, present and past, have given, and particularly
Dr. Poole and to Mr. Alen Wade, who has helped to compile this
report and many of its predecessors.
I am.
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Borough School Medical Officer.