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In a further 288 cases both conditions were present, 155 children being referred for
operation and 133 for observation.
(f). Ear Disease and Defective Hearing.
Amongst children examined at the routine medical inspections, 45 cases of defective hearing
were found, 22 of these being referred for treatment. Seventeen cases of ear disease were also
discovered, 12 being referred for treatment.
Special examinations at the Clinics account for 31 cases of defective hearing, and 174 cases
of ear disease.
(g). Dental Defects.
One thousand eight hundred and sixteen cases of dental caries were discovered at routine
medical inspection, and a further 184 cases were found by examination at the Special Clinics.
At the routine dental inspections in the schools, a total of 5,438 children were found
requiring treatment. Table IV., Group V. on page 34 gives further statistics in this connection.
See also Statistical Table on pages 16 and 17.
(h). Orthopaedic and Postural Defects.
One hundred and twelve cases of deformity of varying degrees were discovered by
inspections at the schools and at the Special Clinics. The greater number of these were cases of
slight spinal curvature and flat feet.
(i). Heart Disease and Rheumatism.
Eighteen cases of heart trouble were found during the year to need treatment, whilst 124
cases were marked for observation.
(j). Tuberculosis.
No case of Tuberculosis was found during routine medical inspections, but three cases of
Tuberculosis of the glands were discovered by special inspection.
(k). Other Defects and Diseases.
Thirty-seven defects were found during routine medical inspection, which could not be
classified under any other heading in Table II. Eleven of these were referred for treatment.
These show a wide range of troubles, and include such conditions as Hernia; Enuresis; Minor
Injuries; and two cases of Obesity.
The number of "other defects and diseases" found by special inspection was 1,100. Of
these, 1,041 were referred for treatment. They were almost entirely minor injuries.
6.—FOLLOWING UP.
Every possible care is taken that no child requiring treatment shall be allowed to continue
without it. Parents are notified in writing of all physical defects discovered in their children
during routine medical inspection, and those parents who take advantage of our invitation and
attend the inspection, receive verbal advice also. A special "Following-up" card is then made
out, and one of the School Nurses visits the home and explains how treatment can be obtained.
Further visits are paid from time to time as may be necessary.
Nurses paid 776 visits in this connection during the year.
The most difficult feature of this work is the wilful neglect of certain parents whose
obstinacy fails to respond to persuasion. Such cases have to be referred to the Committee, who
generally decide to pass them on to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
The following is a list of the School Nurses' duties, with brief statistics relating to their
activities during the year under review.
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