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(i). Heart Disease and Rheumatism.
Whilst we have no arrangement for the treatment of Heart Disease and Rheumatism
within the ambit of the local School Medical Service, such cases as are recommended for institutional
treatment are sent by the Committee to West Wickham or other places according to the
nature of their needs. Other cases are kept under observation at the School Clinics, and, with
the co-operation of Head Teachers, receive modified schooling and periods of rest.
(j). Tuberculosis.
The treatment of tuberculosis is in the hands of the Middlesex County Council, and any
suspicious case is immediately referred to the County Tuberculosis Officer with whose Dispensary
in Bell Road we are in constant touch.
One case (T.B. Right Hip) was found to need treatment during the year. This child was
admitted to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in March and discharged in July. She
returned to whole-time school in November.
(k). Speech Defects.
In February, 1937, the Speech Training Class was commenced with a Specialist Teacher
in charge. The following is a report received from the teacher:—
" February-December, 1937.
REPORT ON THE SPEECH TRAINING CLASSES.
From February until September five children attended the Speech Training Classes,
after which three more were added.
On the whole good progress has been made by the children, especially in the cases
of M.F., P.H. and H.H. The two latter are being discharged from the classes at the
end of this term, their speech being now without defect.
Although M.F. has made great progress both in the construction of sentences and
in pronunciation, his speech is still not normal.
I think it is a great pity that his parents are unable to use the opportunity offered
them of giving the boy the special education he needs, as I feel that under favourable
conditions he is capable of learning far more than he can in the ordinary school.
Improvement has not been so noticeable in the cases of E.F. and J.H., both of
whom have been absent rather often.
Of the three who started in September, one—S.B.—has been absent since her
second lesson owing to the illness of her mother who was unable to bring her.
The two others, D.H. nd L.A., have started to make good progress."
There is no doubt that in some of the difficult cases there is a great need for classes of
this type.
8.—INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
The rules as to the exclusion of infected children and contacts as laid down by the Ministry
of Health and Board of Education in the joint Memorandum of 1927, have been carefully
followed.
The scheme introduced last year for following up certain cases of infectious disease has
continued to operate. By agreement with the Medical Superintendent of South Middlesex Fever
Hospital we are notified of every case where there are special conditions that require supervision
after discharge. These cases are seen by a member of the Authority's Medical Staff and are kept
under observation at the Clinic.
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