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SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
INTRODUCTION
The work of the school medical and nursing staff has proceeded
on the same lines as previously. During the year further thought
has "been given to the wisdom of introducing a more selective type of
procedure for the medical inspection of school children and it is
anticipated that a modified scheme will be introduced during 1967*
Progress has been made with education in health for school
pupils, medical officers and health visitors carrying out series of
talks and discussions with groups of pupils and with parents. This is
important work which will be expanded in the future. Many young people
leave school with adequate educational achievements but ill-equipped
to deal with the problems of personal relationships and hazards to mental
and physical health which they must face. Understanding and knowledge
of the elementary dynamics of healthy living can help them to avoid
many of the pitfalls which are ahead of them.
The findings at medical inspections carried out during the
year show little variation from the previous year. In one respect,
however, some comment is relevant. The number of pupils noted as
requiring investigation for suspected defects of psychological development
has increased from l46 in 1965 to 165 in 1966. Due to the difficulties
created by the re-organisation, the figure for 1965 may be inaccurate
and there is no evidence to suggest that there is an increasing number
of backward pupils in schools; it is more likely that pupils are being
more closely observed and the necessary investigations carried out with
increasing frequency. This is suggested by the number of those
recommended for special schools remaining approximately the same.
The number of pupils found to require observation or treatment for
psychological instability is also increased though to a smaller degree. This
again reflects increasing attention to the mental health of young people
and is an encouraging feature of the work of the Service.
The Chief Dental Officer and her staff have completed a
survey of the dental health of five year old children in the Borough which
is of particular interest in view of the continued controversy surrounding
the question of adjusting the fluoride content of domestic water supplies.
The results reveal widely differing standards of dental health in different
parts of the Borough but an average rate of only one third of our children
at this age being in a state of maximum dental health leaves something
to be desired.
The School Health Service has a continuing and important part to
play in achieving a high standard of mental and physical health of the
oommunity as a whole. It must modify its aims and methods to keep abreast of
the changing needs of modern society. To carry out its work effectively,
the doctors, dentists, health visitors, school nurses and administrative
staff request the co-operation and assistance of teachers and administrative
officers in the schools and in the Education Department. This is most readily
given and I wish on behalf of all members of my staff to record my
appreciation.
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