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112
At the close of the year, a survey into children with spina bifida
was launched with a view to ascertaining:—
(1) All known cases of this congenital malformation living at 30th
September, 1966, with information regarding site of lesion,
associated malformations and handicaps, operation treatment,
extent of locomotion and continence, living conditions and
education.
(2) The number of cases during the 12 months ended 30th September,
1967, with additional details of birth weight, birth order, mother's
age and obstetric history, cause of death, etc.
Formerly, the mortality rate in spina bifida cases was high but,
today, modern surgical treatment is saving many such children.
This survey is linked with future planning for the needs of such
children who are left with varying degrees of disability.
Health Visitor Training
In accordance with Section 2 of the Health Visiting and Social
Work (Training) Act, 1962, the Council for the Training of Health
Visitors submitted to the Minister of Health revised rules for the
training of health visitors and these were approved in December
1965. The revised rules replace those of 1964 and give in more
detail the content and conditions of entry to training courses and
examinations.
Field Work Instructor Courses—Because of the heavy commitments
of Health Visitor Training it was necessary to train five
more Instructors. Two Health Visitors attended full-time courses
instead of the usual Health Visitor Refresher Course and three
attended a Day Release Course arranged by the London Borough's
Training Committee. This meant that, at the end of 1966, the
Borough had seven trained Field Work Instructors.
Psychoprophylaxis Course—Members of the health visiting
staff attended a weekend course arranged by the National Childbirth
Trust enabling them to teach psychoprophylaxis to expectant
mothers.
Student Health Visitors—During 1966 the Borough has been
responsible for the practical work training of students taking the
Integrated Course of Nurse, Health Visitor Training at Kings
College Hospital and Royal College of Nursing. These students have
their first contact with the Borough at the beginning of their training
and continue to visit their Field Work Instructors from time to time.
During their second year they spend six weeks with the District
Nurses and during their third year they make scheduled visits to
establishments in the Borough. After taking their State Examination
to become a Registered Nurse they return to the Royal College of