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16. CO-OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY BODIES
The Invalid Children's Aid Association, and the Wimbledon
Guild of Social Welfare have rendered, as in past years, invaluable
services to the school children of this Borough.
The Local Branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association
arranged convalescent treatment for fifty-five children in
1932. Ten of these cases were referred from the School
Medical Department. Unfortunately, the parents refused this
help in four cases. The other children, however, were sent away
for varying periods. Some of these cases had been recently discharged
from hospitals where they had been undergoing treatment
for pneumonia, debility, and rheumatism, etc. The other cases
had been discovered at the routine or special inspections and were
found to be suffering from debility and malnutrition.
Education is generally provided for the children whilst they
are away.
Great assistance has been received from the Invalid Children's
Aid Association in connection with the orthopaedic scheme of the
Education Committee.
In six cases they kindly arranged for the transport of
patients to Pyrford by car. Four children attending the Orthopædic
Clinic were also provided with boots.
Special dental treatment, such as the provision of an obturator
in the case of cleft palate, was obtained for two children.
In another case, a boy who had had one eye removed by
operation some years previously was supplied with an artificial
eye through the Association.
This is but a small part of the work which the Association
is carrying out.
The approximate number of children who were on their
books, and being visited, in 1932 was 264.
Surgical requirements were provided in seven cases, whilst
in another eight, suitable clothing was granted.
This work is of the greatest assistance to the School Medical
Service, and is much appreciated by the parents, especially in
the poorer parts of Wimbledon.
The Local Representative of the National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children is always ready to co-operate
with the staff of the School Medical Department, and the
assistance which he is continually giving is of the greatest
value.
17. (a) Blind, Deaf, Defective, and Epileptic Children.
A special register is kept in the School Medical Department
of all children who are defective within the meaning of Part \
of the Education Act, 1921. Furthermore, particulars of each
of these children are entered on a special medical record card.
Information concerning new cases is furnished by the Teachers,
Attendance Officers, and School Nurse-Health Visitors.
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