London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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West Ham 1935

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]

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During the year the number of meals served at the various
School Dining Centres was as follows:—
Breakfasts, 418,756. Dinners, 849,9,11.
The average number of children fed each week was 3,467.
(12) Co-operation of Parents, Teachers, School
Attendance Officers and Public Bodies.
(a) Parents are always notified when their children are due
to be medically inspected, and the fact that last year the percentage
of parents who were actually present at the Elementary
School examinations amounted to 83.4, indicates the interest taken
in the work of the School Medical Service.
The number of parents who refuse to have their children
medical examined is extremely low. In 1935 the number of
children who were affected by this parental objection amounted
to 75.
Parents are always encouraged to accompany their children
both when they are being inspected at school, or treated at the
Clinics.
(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 for 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 notifv the School Medical Officer of
children coming under their notice who require new or altered
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