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SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
(COPY OF REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE INNER LONDON EDUCATION AUTHORITY
BY THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH IN HIS CAPACITY AS
PRINCIPAL SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER)
Two major concepts guided initial policy in the school health service when the London
Borough of Camden came into existence on 1 April 1965. The first was the decision to institute
no fundamental changes until the schools, head teachers and families were known to the senior
staff who were largely new to the area. It was also essential to ensure that the Borough, previously
administered in one part by London County Council Health Division 2, and in the other by London
County Council Health Division 3, was welded into a co-ordinated whole, with uniform practice
throughout. That the transition was effected with so little upheaval was due to the assistance of
the Divisional Medical Officers before the takeover, and, both then, and, subsequently, to the
co-operation of the Divisional Officer (Education Division 2), and, the Divisional School Care
Organiser. In the many queries which inevitably arose, the Medical Adviser was a constant source
of information and advice, whilst, the Health Department's staff in the field maintained continuity
in the work in the schools.
The second basic concept inspiring the work of the service was the implications arising
from the appointment of one officer as Principal School Medical Officer and Medical Officer of
Health. This dual role ensures continuity of care from infancy through school and adult life and
envisages the child not as an isolated unit, but as a member of the family and of society as a
whole.
This integrated approach is particularly important in handicapped children or where the
family receives support from the Camden Family Service. The Medical Officer of Health acts as
Chairman of the Officers'Co-ordinating Committee of the Camden Family Service and the Divisional
Officer (Education)and the Divisional School Care Officer are members of the Committee. The Inner
London Education Authority is also represented at member level on the Family Services Committee
of the Borough.
The Principal School Medical Officer acts as a medical adviser in respect of children in
care, or under the supervision of the Children's Officer. Close co-operation is maintained with the
Chief Welfare Officer in considering the needs of the handicapped and co-operation between the
social service departments is facilitated by their being housed in the same building.
At the end of 1965, the senior professional staff engaged whole or part-time on school
health service duties consisted of the Principal School Medical Officer, an Associate Medical
Officer of Health, a Principal Medical Officer, a Senior Assistant Medical Officer, and a Chief
Dental Officer. The total complement of such staff, expressed as whole-time equivalents was:-
Medical 5.25
Nursing 16.15
Social Workers 2.5
Speech Therapists 4.5
Dental Officers 5.25
Dental Surgery Assistants 5.0
Health Education Officer 0.5
STAFF
46