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74
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF THE SCHOOL
MEDICAL SERVICE.
In March, 1919, a Report was presented by the School
Medical Officer on the Education Act, 1918, so far as it affects
the School Medical Service.
The main points represented as requiring attention were:—
(1) The Employment of a Whole-time Dentist.— This
matter is at the present time under consideration.
(2) The Extension and Improvement of the School Clinic
Premises.— I regard this matter of the greatest importance.
The present premises served the purpose when
Medical Inspection was in its infancy, but are no longer
large enough or suitable.
(3) The Appointment of Additional School Nurses.—
There is only one nurse allocated to School Medical work.
The duties of the nurse are now so extensive, including
(1) attendance at the School Clinic, (2) attendance with
the School Dentist when anæsthetics are given, (3) "following
up" defects, (4) inspections as to cleanliness, (5)
visits with reference to cases of infectious disease; that
it is not possible for one nurse to carry out the work
efficiently in such a wide district as Ilford.
(4) 'The Treatment of Nose, Throat and Ear Diseases.—
No means exist at present in Ilford by which children
suffering from such ailments can receive treatment
by a Specialist. Parents are forced to take their
children long distances and wait for long periods before
the necessary attention can be given. Some Local
Authorities have appointed a nose, thoat and ear surgeon
to attend to the school children in their district, and
such an arrangement is urgently required in Ilford. It
would be necessary to have beds for cases requiring
operative treatment.