Whither school health services for lower primary schoolchildren in Soweto?

Over 1,000 clinical examinations and screening procedures in Soweto lower primary schoolchildren revealed few significant health problems which had not previously been identified. Information from parents and teachers was of limited value. The study revealed that only a small percentage of children referred for further medical attention attended for investigation or treatment as advised. Most of the health problems found could well have been managed at a school-based primary care level. It would thus be desirable to modify and extend the role and functions of the school nurse. However, the effectiveness of so doing would depend on adequate training, the availability of personnel and the organisational structure of health care services.