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47
The school nurse also undertakes communicable disease surveys for
particular conditions such as plantar warts or athletes foot.
The figures for the year are set out below:-
Number examined at comprehensive surveys 16,380
Percentage found verminous 1.2
Number examined at selective surveys 3,585
Percentage found verminous 2.2
Number of individual pupils found verminous 309
Number referred to a bathing centre 44
HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
Health Visitors continued their talks to senior girls on the care of
young children.
In addition, the Borough Health Department conducted a "Healthy Living"
campaign during the summer months. This included talks, films, displays and
demonstrations to many of the schools in the Borough. Among the subjects
covered were diet, exercise, the care of teeth, footwear, smoking and the use
of local authority services such as libraries and swimming pools. A poster
competition was also organised and prizes awarded.
It is intended that similar campaigns will be conducted from time to time
in the future.
The co-operation of the divisional office and teaching staffs of the
schools during the campaign was very much appreciated by the medical and
nursing staff who gave the talks.
DEFECTIVE HEARING
Special attention is given to verifying that a child's hearing is
satisfactory. One school nurse devotes most of her time touring the schools
testing hearing using an audiometer.
Those children who fail the first test-a sweep test-are given a more
detailed hearing test at John Scott Health Centre. During the year, out of
5,670 children who were given a sweep test, 221 required a further test and
118 were referred to the consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon who conducts
a weekly clinic at the Centre.
Children at the special unit for partially hearing children, which is an
integral part of one of the primary schools, continue to be seen every six
months by a consultant E.N.T. surgeon who is accompanied by a social worker.
SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN THE BOROUGH
Stormont House Open Air School continued to provide a first rate
educational setting for children with a wide variety of disorders, mainly
physical but with a significant proportion of an emotional nature.
Geffrye School provides excellent care and education for the more severely
physically handicapped child of primary school age, despite the fact that the
premises are old and housed on two floors rather than one. However, plans are
well advanced for the provision of a lift, which will allow more flexible use
of the school's accommodation. It will be particularly useful in view of the
twenty or so children with spina bifida, who attend the school, many of whom
are unable to stand.
New River School in Clissold Road admitted its first pupils early in the
year. It is an all age mixed school for partially sighted pupils. Apart from
the regular supervision of the School nurse and medical officer, the children