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55
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
FOR THE YEAR 1965
To The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Borough.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This Report presents a record of activities in the School Health Service of the Borough of Brent during
the first year of its operation, indeed the statistical part of the Report includes figures from January to March
1965 when, in fact, the Middlesex County Council still continued as Local Education Authority.
One of the most formidable tasks has been the smooth acceptance of responsibility by all personnel
in the Service, and it is indeed reassuring to record that the transfer of function occurred expeditiously and
effectively.
The continuation of the routine medical inspection of the age groups in the schools of the Borough
has been maintained, and is still thought to be of substantial value, although it will be noted that exploration
has occurred in the examination of selected groups in lieu of the routine inspection in certain schools. If this
could be perfected it might represent the most profitable use of professional staffs. It is, however, completely
dependent on the co-operation between medical officer and teacher, which is the aim of the School Health
Service, always directed towards the benefit of the pupil.
Ascertainment of handicapped children continued. The placement of those handicapped, in
appropriate schools, a new responsibility, taxed the technical knowledge and experience of the staff to a
considerable extent. Selecting the school most appropriate to the attainments of some of the more severely
handicapped represents a task which requires expertise and skill beyond the average.
The Audiology Unit continued to function and provided service for the partially hearing in the
school population, both of Brent and neighbouring boroughs, enabling these children to obtain full benefit
from the education offered in school. Hearing aids were supplied and, in order to ensure that these were kept
in reasonable condition and were in fact being used, a peripatetic teacher visited the schools from time to
time to discuss problems with the school teachers.
The School Dental Service continued to provide its most valuable contribution to the health of the
children and the report by the Principal Schools Dental Officer reveals the extent of this service.
The Report which is the work of many members of the Department, could be read advantageously
by all the staff of the Council and it is presented to members for attention.
Your Obedient Servant,
E. GRUNDY,
Principal School Medical Officer.