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108
This memorandum would be incomplete without some reference
to the qualifications and duties of health visitors.
The qualifications of health visitors should, in my opinion, include
the following:—
Qualifications of Health Visitors.
1. Candidates for the office of health visitor should possess a
sanitary inspector's certificate approved of by the Local Government
Board.
2. Should produce evidence of having had some training as
a general nurse.
3. Should be competent to advise as to the feeding and care of
infants.
Duties of Health Visitors.
1. To visit the homes of the poor and ascertain whether there are
any insanitary conditions present, and report the same to the Medical
Officer of Health.
The following points should be noted:—
(a) The presence or complaint of bad smells or vermin.
(b) The presence or not of overcrowding.
(c) The sufficiency or otherwise of ventilation.
(d) The cleanliness and state of repair of the rooms, passages,
back yards, sinks, gullies, dust.bins, and sanitary conveniences.
(e) Whether the house refuse is regularly removed.
The health visitor should be prepared to point out the prejudicial
effect of insanitary conditions upon the health, especially on that of
children.
2. To enquire whether there is any illness in the house, and
its character. If there is illness from—
(a) A non.infectious disease, the visitor should advise where
necessary as to the nursing of the patient, and generally how to
prepare food, and administer the various remedies ordered.