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TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE
EDUCATION COMMITTEE.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Centlemen,
I beg to submit herewith the Annual Report on the School
Medical Service for the year 1931.
There has been no material extension of the work of this
Department since last year, though the need for additional Dental
Surgeons still remains, whilst the question of Myopic Classes in
the Borough is one that should be again considered.
As regards the personnel, Dr. Troup and Mr. Arnold retired
from their positions as part-time Ophthalmic Surgeons in August,
and Dr. W. J. Thomas (who was already in your service as
Assistant School Medical Officer) was appointed in their place
as a whole-time Oculist. Dr. Janetta J. Powrie resigned her post
as Assistant School Medical Officer in August, in order to take up
a position under the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee.
The two posts thus rendered vacant were filled by the appointment
of Dr. Jessie H. Fitchet and Dr. A. Muriel Ison.
Miss O. S. Vincent retired from her position as Matron at
Fyfield Open Air School in September, and was succeeded by
Miss W. M. Barnes.
Dr. R. J. Reid was appointed as Chief Assistant School
Medical Officer in June, 1931, to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Dr. F. B. Skerrett.
The practice of serving milk during the morning break to
children in the schools has extended, and there are now comparatively
few schools where this excellent facility is not available.
The Table given on page 195 is of value, as it shows that
even during the past four years the stature, and more particularly
the weight of the school children as a whole, has increased. A
glance at my Report for 1927 will show how great was the increase
of height and weight in school children between the vears 1914
and 1927.
Some research work on the posture of children attending
schools in this area was carried out during the year by Medical
Officers of the Board of Education. A report on the results of
their investigations has not yet been issued.
Your obedient Servant,
School Medical Officer.
Municipal Health Offices,
Romford Road,
Stratford, E.15.
July, 1932.
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