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The prevailing economic depression was no doubt responsible
to a considerable extent for the increase in the figure for Wimbledon.
At the same time, it should be pointed out that since
unemployment has become so prevalent an increasing amount
of attention has been paid to malnutrition by the members of
the Medical Staff carrying out these inspections.
At the special examinations at the Health Centre, twentytwo
children were found to be suffering from malnutrition
requiring treatment. During the previous year the figure was
fourteen.
It should also be borne in mind that the children of parents
in good economic circumstances are not infrequently found to
be under weight and exhibiting a poor and subnormal standard
of physique.
Particulars as to the methods taken for dealing with these
cases of malnutrition are indicated in the section of this Report
relating to treatment.
The standard of clothing and footgear continued to be
satisfactory.
(b) uncleanliness. Twenty-one or 1.04% of the children
at the routine medical inspection were found to be unclean and
excluded from school. In addition twelve were found to require
further observation in school on account of this condition, and
were kept under supervision.
During the year 1932, eight children or 0.46% of those
examined at the routine medical inspection required to be
excluded from school on account of uncleanliness.
The School Nurse-Health Visitors continued to carry out
the systematic inspection! of all the scholars in their schools three
times a year, i.e., after the Christmas, Easter, and Mid-Summer
holidays. This inspection reveals not only unclean children, but
also children suffering from defective vision, minor ailments,
anaemia, malnutrition, etc. These latter children are referred
either to their own doctors or to the Health Centre where they
are seen by one of' the School Medical Staff.
The number of examinations of children carried out in the
schools by the School Nurses amounted to 12,508. This means
that nearly every child was inspected for uncleanliness three
times during the year. On an average, the nurses paid seven
visits to each school.
A much higher standard of cleanliness has been insisted
upon during the last few years and there is no doubt that a very
considerable improvement has been effected.
One hundred and fifty-three children were cleansed at the
Health Centre in accordance with the arrangements made by the
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