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consultation sessions, and visiting homes and advising parents
where infectious diseases occur, such as ophthalmia, measles,
whooping cough, etc.
The first visit of the health visitor to the mother following
information of the birth of a child is made usually before the mother
has resumed her household duties. This visit is of exceptional value
as it takes place when the mother feels the absence of the doctor or
midwife and is glad to receive expert advice concerning the baby.
It is frequently found that this timely visit has saved a considerable
amount of suffering and perhaps months of ill-health of the
infant through injudicious feeding or lack of care and general
management by the mother. In the majority of cases the health
visitor is regarded as a friend of the family, and the services which
her training qualifies her to render is greatly appreciated. In fact,
it may be said that health visitors are the most effective agents for
teaching the lessons of hygiene in the home.
Health Visitors' Refresher Course.
The Council has decided that the Municipal health visitors
should attend in rotation annually the Refresher Courses organised
by the Women Public Health Officers' Association, and in accordance
with this direction, the senior health visitor attended the course
held in December of the year under review.
Ante-Natal Supervision.
Ante-Natal consultations were held at the Clinics at St. Giles'
Hospital, Dulwich Hospital, the Municipal Infant Welfare Centre,
140, Camberwell Road, the Voluntary Association Infant Welfare
Centre, 616, Old Kent Road, and the General Lying-in Hospital
Post Certificate School, Southampton Way, Camberwell.