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266
SECTION VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE
Health Education has two main functions, namely, the provision
of information on health and welfare services and the modification
of attitudes inimical to community and personal health.
In this, therefore, health education is almost totally a preventive
medicine measure for, were it fully effective, many more people would
live longer, more contented and active lives and the onset of serious
disease would be subject to early diagnosis and treatment with
a consequent improvement in prognosis. Furthermore, costs of the
National Health Service, generally, would be considerably reduced.
To be effective, health education should embrace the whole
field of communication ranging from person to person contact to
the broad field of mass media.
The Health Education Service has the responsibility to utilise
all factors of the communication process by,
(a) providing services to professionals in the field and others
having day to day contact with members of the public;
(b) contacting other bodies and groups not covered by (a);
(c) using mass media techniques, and
(d) continually surveying and appraising the communications
field, techniques and equipment.
A monthly meeting is held to survey recent developments and
to review material. Topics are selected for emphasis in each month
of the year and 'in-service' courses on communications techniques
are arranged.
The following paragraphs give a review of the principal activities
undertaken during 1966.
Health Education Programme to Local Organisations
Circular letters sent to local organisations in 1965 offering the
facilities of the Health Education Service continued to produce
many requests for visits and this offer was renewed during the
summer months of 1966.
To any meeting in the area of the Borough, the letter offered
film shows, talks or a combination of both which are devoted to
various aspects of health education or provide information on
departmental services.
In all, the 178 visits made to local organisations ensured that
contact was made with all age groups and shades of opinions.
Frequently, these meetings act as a 'feedback' to the department
indicating whether information or services are reaching the public.
Often, the meetings become an open forum, clearing away many
misconceptions and outmoded ideas.