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THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL NURSES
NUTRITION. Nutritional surveys were carried out on the same basis as in previous
years, and occupied a substantial proportion of the school nurses1 time. Towards
the end of the year a new Form (10b M - Subsidiary School Medical Record) was used
for all new pupils.
On one side of the form the child's height (inches) and weight (lbs.)
is recorded both in figures and graphically. The graphic records are made by
recording the difference in height and weight of the individual child from the mean
(i.e. average) of all children of that age. On the other side of the form entries
of any important defects are copied from the Main Medical Record Card, so that the
nurse carrying out the nutrition survey can satisfy herself that the child is getting
adequate care and attention.
The ideal is a terminal inspection, although a six-monthly inspection would
be considered very satisfactory. At the moment the inspections are carried out
approximately once a year for most of the pupils. . The general findings at these
inspections are so good that a temporary increase in the interval between inspections
can be made without undue alarm.
All children whose weight or height appears to be at a standstill, or whose
general condition seems to require investigation, are referred to the area school doctor.

CLEANLINESS. Routine cleanliness surveys are sometimes conducted at the same
time as the nutritional surveys. Occasionally a school is visited for the purpose of
carrying out a special cleanliness survey. The numbers found to be infested at these
surveys are augmented by others at periodic or special medical inspections. While
the onus of cleansing is upon the parents - and children found to be infested are
followed up until the school nurse is satisfied that they are clean - a certain number
are treated at the school clinics with a D.D.T. preparation.
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