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SPECIAL INVESTIGATION CLINICS
These clinics provide an opportunity for the school doctor to see children and their parents,
where problems require more time than is available at school medical inspections. The treatment and
support of enuretic children and of obese children forms a considerable part of the work of these
clinics.
FOOT CARE
Treatment for fungal infections of the feet and plantar warts is given at school treatment
centres, and by the chiropodist at one welfare centre.
Special diathermy clinics are held weekly at St. Pancras School Treatment Centre and
West Hampstead School Treatment Centre for treatment of warts.
Remedial classes for abnormalities of the feet are held at a number of schools, the children
being recommended for attendance by the school doctor. In addition to exercise and posture training,
teachers take the opportunity at these classes to educate the children in the care of their feet,
including the wise choice of suitable footwear.
AUDIOMETRY
All children in primary and secondary schools in the Borough have had sweep tests by an
experienced school nurse, who, acquainted with children in ordinary schools with a hearing loss,
occupies a key role in their close follow-up too.
At the end of December, 1965, this nurse attended a course in the making of ear moulds
organised by the Medical Adviser to the Inner London Education Authority.
VISION CLINICS
The closure of the Highgate School Treatment Centre in addition to the decline in numbers
of children referred to Moorfields Hospital Refraction Clinics in anticipation of their closing,
resulted in an increased waiting list at the remaining vision clinics. Extra sessions were agreed
by the Principal School Medical Officer and the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board,
to commence as soon as additional refractionists could be appointed.
HEALTH SURVEYS
These were carried out by school nurses at all primary and secondary schools. 70 per cent,
of children were examined in comprehensive surveys and 38 per cent, in selective surveys.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SURVEY
5,382 children were examined for athlete's foot, and 5,880 for warts.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
No outbreak of particular significance occurred at schools in the Borough in 1965.
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