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To the Chairman and Members of the Education Committee:
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present the Annual Report on the School
Health Service of the London Borough of Merton for the year 1967.
The health of school children in Merton during the year was
generally good. The percentage of school children whose general
condition was found to be satisfactory was 99.93 compared with
99.91 in 1966.
School medical inspections totalled 12,780 (9,607 routine inspections
and 3,173 special inspections and re-inspections) compared with
14,078 (11,205 routine inspections and 2,873 special inspections and
re-inspections) in 1966. At routine and other medical inspections 7,174
defects, mostly minor in character, were found compared with 6,490
during 1966.
There were no serious staffing difficulties apart from staff absences,
due to illness.
Discussions were held during the year with the Principal School
Medical Officer of the London Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames,
regarding increased use of the joint staff of the two Boroughs in the
Audiology Service, as a result of which it would be possible for the
two Boroughs to provide their own training facilities for Health
Visitor in sweep tests of hearing of young children, and to provide
for a closer link between the Maternity and Child Welfare Service
and the School Health Service.
It is a matter of considerable satisfaction to report that no case
of tuberculosis in school children or in teaching staff was notified
during the year.
I am grateful for the help and co-operation received from the
Chief Education Officer and his staff, from Head Teachers and from
the many School Secretaries in the Borough. My thanks are also
given to the medical, dental, nursing and other staff of the Department
for the satisfactory and efficient manner in which their respective
duties were carried out during the year.
I should especially like to thank Mr. W. Atkinson, my Chief
Administrative Officer, and Mr. E. A. Ayling, the Senior Clerk of the
School Health Service Section, for their contributions in connection
with the preparation of this Report.
I am grateful for the continued support and encouragement so
kindly extended to me at all times by the Chairman and Members of
the Education Committee and the Special Services (Education) SubCommittee.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
P.J. DOODY,
Principal School Medical Officer.
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