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I wish here to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the Committee,
the School Medical Officer, the Dental Clinic Staff and all members of the Public
Health Department Staff whose work brings them in touch with dental matters, for their kindness
and ready help and co-operation during a somewhat difficult year.
I. Cohen, L.D.S., R.C.S., Eng.,
School Dental Surgeon.
(i.) Crippling Defects and Orthopaedics.
An intimation was received from the Board of Education in June to the effect that progress
with an Orthopaedic Scheme was not considered to be justified.
The proposal, mentioned in last year's Report, to draw up a definite scheme for the
treatment of Orthopaedic defects has not therefore materialised, but although handicapped
by the absence of an official scheme for the treatment of crippling defects, we have nevertheless
been able to secure expert advice for such cases as have required it. This is entirely
due to the co-operation of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, where 19 school children
from this area have been seen as out-patients during the year.
In addition, 3 school children received in-patient treatment, 2 at the Royal National
Orthopaedic Hospital, and one at the County branch, Brockley Hill, Stanmore.
9. OPEN AIR EDUCATION
There is no open air school in the district; the only open air education being comparatively
few classes held in the playground during the summer.
10.—PHYSICAL TRAINING.
There is no Area Organiser of Physical Training for the elementary schools in the
district, and whatever is done is by the initiative of the teachers. The School Medical Officers
however are frequently able to give advice as to the ability of certain children to engage in drill
and strenuous games.
1 1 PROVISION OF MEALS.
The provision of meals for school children has not been undertaken during the year,
although the matter is before the Committee at the time of writing this Report.
The self-supporting Milk Scheme whereby children obtain milk regularly at school for
a nominal payment has continued throughout 1932, and by the end of the year 25 Head
Teachers had adopted the scheme, the milk being supplied in bottles containing one-third
of a pint, at a cost of 1d. per bottle, to the extent of nearly half a million bottles per annum.
Cod Liver Oil and Malt is sold at cost price at the School Clinics for children recommended
by the School Medical Officers.
1 2 SCHOOL BATHS.
No school in this district is provided with baths.
1 3 CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Every effort is made to secure the co-operation of parents in the work of the doctors,
dentists and nurses. Parents are invited to attend all routine medical inspections and during
1932 a parent or other relative attended in 3,110 instances, representing 76.7 per cent.
Parents are urged also to attend the Treatment Clinics and it is gratifying to find that
an increasing number of parents do attend and show their desire to obtain, and assist in
the treatment of their children.
1 4 CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS.
The assistance given by teachers is of the greatest value to the School Medical Service.
They make all arrangements for routine medical inspections, and help us considerably in referring
cases to the Clinics, by ensuring regular attendance there, and in their reports on backward
and defective children. It is realised that this assistance involves considerable trouble and
is frequently given when time is short.
15 CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICERS.
The Attendance Officers are able to render considerable assistance to the School Medical
Service, and frequently refer children who are brought to their notice on account of alleged
illness. Prompt notification by an Attendance Officer of a suspicious sore throat, or rash, has
frequently directed early attention to a case of Infectious Disease. They also undertake the
verification of returns of income made by parents when applying for various forms of assistance.
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