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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 1968.
The health of school children in Merton during the year was
very good, only two children out of 10,401 examined were found to
be unsatisfactory, and thus the percentage whose general condition
was found to be satisfactory was 99.98 compared with 99.3 in 1967.
School medical inspections totalled 12,906 (10,401 routine inspections
and 2,505 special inspections and re-inspections) compared
with 12,780 (9,607 routine inspections and 3,173 special inspections
and re-inspections) in 1967. At routine and other medical inspections
6,491 defects, mostly minor in character, were found of which 3,170
were referred for treatment and 3,321 for observation, compared with
7,174 (3,742 for treatment and 3,432 for observation) in 1967.
It is pleasing to be able to report that by the end of the year
the Authority had been able to recruit a full establishment of three
Speech Therapists.
It is also satisfactory to know 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 Primary Education and Special
Services Sub-Committee.
I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
P. J. DOODY,
Principal School Medical Officer.
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