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104
The number of consultations at the Inspection Clinic during
1915 was 5,885.
The Inspection Clinic forms the most important part of the
work of the School Medical Officer.
The clerical work in connection with this work is becoming
considerable in extent.
The table given shows the various affections for which children
were sent to the Clinic.
It will be seen that the attendance of Ringworm cases constituted
a large proportion of the consultations.
It was in connection with this malady and other contagious
skin affections that co-operation between the School Medical
Officer's Department and Attendance Officers was very effective.
Certificates of exclusion from school attendance, issued by
the School Medical Officer for contagious skin disorders, were
effective until re-admission forms from the same official were
granted. Meantime periodical examinations were conducted at
the Inspection Clinic so that the children were under organised
and careful observation.
At each visit of infected children, subsequent visits were
arranged and recorded in a special register.
If children did not attend on the date arranged the attendance
sub-department received information to this effect.
Little difficulty was experienced in procuring the attendance
of children and the arrangements made for their periodic visits
worked harmoniously and effectively.
The Inspection Clinic afforded means for amplifying co-operative
measures between Attendance Officers and the School Medical
Officer's department.
Many of the 5,885 cases seen at the ordinary Inspection
Clinic were cases sent by Attendance Officers, who, when visiting
at the homes of children absent from school found it expedient
to have the School Medical Officer's opinion as to the rectitude of
absence.