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(b) The assistance rendered by Teachers has always been
greatly appreciated by the staff of the School Medical Service,
The facilities, which are invariably afforded Doctors, Dentists
and Nurses whenever they have occasion to go to a school, help
considerably in the smooth running of the department.
In selecting special cases for examination, urging attendance
at Clinics and impressing upon parents the need tor carrying out
advice given, or recommendations made, the teachers play an
invaluable part.
Children who show some defect and are considered by the
Doctor to need individual supervision by the teacher are reported
to the Head Teacher on a special confidential form. All cases such
as bad vision, defective hearing, heart trouble, etc., are so reported.
To the members of the School Inspectorate I also tender my
best thanks for their enthusiastic co-operation.
(c) There is complete co-ordination between the School
Medical Service and the Bye-Laws Department. The work done
by the School Attendance Officers in connection with the Health
Services of the Borough is of great value, particularly in regard
to cases of non-notifiable infectious diseases, which are brought
by them daily to the notice of the Medical Officer of Health.
(d) The School Medical Service is in close touch with certain
voluntary associations and societies on behalf of the welfare of
individual children.
The Invalid Children's Aid Association and the Invalid and
Crippled Children's Society notify the School Medical Officer of
children coming under their notice who require new or altered
Surgical Appliances. The Education Committee assists in the
purchase of instruments or alterations to same. These Societies
also report cases requiring Convalescent treatment.
During the year, 574 school children were sent away for
periods of convalescence. Assistance in the purchase or repair
of Surgical Appliances was rendered to 27 children.
I am also indebted to the National Society for the Prevention
of Crueltv to Children and the Central Association for Mental
Welfare, as well as to the Almoners of a number of voluntary
Hospitals for their valuable help.
(e) In addition to the voluntary hospitals (not only of West
Ham, but of London) there are a number of other voluntary bodies
who do very valuable work in regard to the health of the children.
(13) Blind, Deaf, Defective and Epileptic Children.
(a) The returns of children falling under this heading are
obtained from various sources, viz., by Head Teachers, the School
Attendance Department, Hospitals and Voluntary Associations.
These cases are dealt with as they arise and are followed up
by a Nurse specially detailed for this work. The children are
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