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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
June, 1967.
To His Worship the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
MR. MAYOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I have the honour to present my Annual Report on the work of the School Health
Service for the year 1966.
The year has been one of consolidation and increased activity, which is reflected
in the tabulated information. During the year, you have been concerned with the
practice of drug taking among young people. I was instructed in late 1966 to prepare
a document for guidance in the detection of symptoms, which could be expected in
individuals taking drugs. There are two cardinal factors to be kept constantly in mind.
Firstly the basic epidemiological criteria of this social disease have not yet been firmly
established. More detailed studies may be indicated. Secondly a child displaying
certain symptoms is clearly in need of help for his condition, whether caused by drugs
or otherwise. It follows that those of us who have suspicions should seek appropriate
advice and possible further investigation for individual young persons.
I wish tot acknowledge the interest and support of the Education Schools SubCommittee
and their Chairman, Councillor Mrs. H. A. M. Champion and also that of
the Chairman of the main Committee, Alderman E. Bostock.
My colleague Mr. W. R. Wainwright, Chief Education Officer, and his staff have
been very helpful in their collaboration.
I wish to place on record my thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Wales, Senior Assistant
Medical Officer, who resigned from your service in October, 1966, to take up the
appointment of Medical Officer with the Department of Education and Science. Her
contribution to the well-being of the children of the Borough was of the highest order.
Yours respectfully,
A. M. NELSON,
Principal School Medical Officer.
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