View report page

64
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER
FOR THE YEAR 1967
To The Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Borough.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year, which is reviewed in this Report, has been one of consolidation and re-appraisal. The
services of School Health have now been organised on a Borough basis for some three years, and whilst it
would be idle to suggest that no changes have been necessary in this time, it is at the same time relevant to
express the view that the basic organisation and concepts which were introduced into the School Health
Service some three years ago have been found effective during the period of consolidation. All staff during
this early organisation have responded to difficulties with enthusiasm and a vigour which has enabled us to
offer more than adequate service to the children during their years of school life.
Routine medical inspections have been continued in the appropriate age groups, both in infants,
junior and secondary schools. The educational reorganisation on a comprehensive basis, which commenced
in September, 1967, necessitated a very substantial reorganisation of routine inspections which, as is well
known, are carried out by medical officers in the school premises. The programme and time table of
examinations is the same but considerable variation has been required in order to meet the needs of the
larger units. We have continued the examination of selected groups in certain schools and this very interesting
work is proceeding with the co-operation between medical officer and teacher being adequately maintained.
The problem of handicap in school children remains one of considerable and increasing magnitude,
particularly in Brent in relation to educational backwardness and lack of attainment appropriate to age.
Medical officers have co-operated with the School Psychological Service and during the year additional provision
enabled children requiring special educational treatment to be admitted to the new units.
The School Dental Service continues under the handicap of staff shortage and it is pertinent to note
that Brent remains one of the few London Boroughs where a decision to fluoridate the water supply has not
been made. There can be no doubt, on medical and clinical dental grounds, that fluoridation very considerably
reduces decay in the teeth of young children, but it is appreciated that there are other ethical and
philosophical reasons for objection being raised to mass fluoridation of the pipe supply; on balance, however,
a physician can do no other than state that in his opinion fluoridation should be adopted.
The Report is the work of many members of the Department and will be of interest to Members,
disclosing to them the extent and scope of the School Health Service.
Your Obedient Servant,
E. GRUNDY,
Principal School Medical Officer.