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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 a large number of school children were
reported to the Medical Officer of Health, and sent away for
periods of convalescence. Assistance in the purchase or repair
of Surgical Appliances was rendered to 44 children.
I am also indebted to the National Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty 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
also examined by the Chief Assistant School Medical Officer to
ascertain their fitness for school, or otherwise. Some are returned
to the Elementary schools, many are recommended for admission
to the Special Schools, whilst the remainder are considered unfit
for school attendance.
The permanent out-of-school cases are visited from time to
time by the Nurse, and should there be any changes in the condition
which justifv re-examination, arrangements are made accordingly.
There is also an annual return at the end of the year, submitted
by Head Teachers, of all children who in their opinion are
exceptional. These are examined by the medical staff, and cases
considered unfit for attendance at an ordinary school are referred
for further examination bv the Chief Assistant School Medical
Officer.
A number of children are placed in various Institutions, and
the Local Authority is responsible for their maintenance.
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