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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 1970.
The health of school children in Merton during the year was
very good, the percentage whose general condition was found to be
satisfactory being 99.97 compared with 99.93 in 1969.
Medical inspections of school children totalled 12,508 (9,040
routine inspections and 3,468 special inspections and reinspections)
compared with 9,299 (6,741 routine inspections and 2,558 special
inspections and reinspections) in 1969. At routine and other medical
inspections 5,151 defects, mostly minor in character, were found of
which 1,827 were referred for treatment and 3,324 for observation,
compared with 4,983 (2,211 for treatment and 2,772 for observation)
in 1969.
The system of selective medical examinations approved by the
Education Committee in July, 1969, became fully operative in 1970.
2,145 questionnaires had previously been distributed to school children
on entry to High Schools and on the recommendation of the
School Medical Officer or at the request of the parent or both, 752
children were medically examined. 74 children, who were absent,
were seen at a later date and special arrangements for examination were
made in respect of 44 children whose parents were initially unco-operative.
As a result of these examinations 73 children were referred for
treatment or observation these being followed up by the private doctor
or at a school clinic.
The arrangement resulted in a fewer number of children in the
age group being seen and thus enabled School Medical Officers to
concentrate on those who most required attention.
A report on the first year of operation was considered by the
Education Committee and approval was given for the system to
continue.
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 Administrative Assistant
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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