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437
Ministry of Labour's Memorandum on the provision of medical
inspection for juveniles attending the authority's course of instruction,
arrangements were made by the Authority for a medical
inspection to be carried out at the Juvenile Instruction Centre,
which was held in the premises of the Y.M.C.A. in Greengate
Street. Unfortunately the Centre was closed in September, 1937.
Dr. West reports that he examined the boys on five
occasions during the period that the Centre was in operation. The
total number of boys examined at these inspections was 65, and
of these 8 were found to be defective. The most common defect
was defective vision. The standard of nutrition was satisfactory,
36.9 per cent. being above the average, 58.5 per cent. of average
nutrition, and 4.6 per cent. showed slightly subnormal nutrition.
Dr. Griffin reports that during the six months from April
to September she examined 40 juveniles at the Centre. Of
these five had defective vision, and eight suffered from other
defects. The parents of ten of the juveniles examined were
present at the examination. The children were classified as far
as nutrition was concerned as follows: —
Above average 15.0 per cent.
Average nutrition 67.6 per cent.
Below average 17.4 per cent.
The number of juveniles re-inspected was thirteen, and
treatment recommended was obtained in many cases. Dental
appointments were made for six cases with the authority's dentist,
and of these three did not attend for treatment.
Dr. Griffin notes that a considerable proportion of the
defects were of the type which improved little, if at all, as a result
of treatment, and which therefore interfere with the constant
employment of these juveniles. Short lectures and advice were
given at every opportunity in order to encourage the girls to take
an interest in their health. An excellent and inexpensive midday
dinner was provided daily at the Centre, and physical instruction
in the gymnasium was provided as part of the education.
Pathological Work. The microscopical examination of
sputum for the presence of the tubercle bacillus is undertaken by
the Tuberculosis Officer. Throat swabs are taken by the school
medical staff as required, and sent to the Superintendent of
Plaistow Fever Hospital for culture and report.