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53
Students and Visitors to the Nursing Services
As in previous years visitors to the nursing services came from many
countries, the furthest away being Japan. Following the Japanese visit a pamphlet
was received giving an account of the visit but was alas in Japanese, so whether
complimentary or otherwise will never be known.
Hospital student nurses formed the largest single group totalling over 600
during the year. Other students included those studying economics, social sciences,
teaching, child care and speech therapy.
Twelve health visitors students from the Polytechnic of the South Bank and
Croydon Polytechnic received their practical experience in the centres and a total
throughout the year of 36 student midwives received part of their training in the
Borough.
Ancillary Staff
Clinic nurses and clinic auxiliaries made a valuable contribution to the
nursing services. After a period of in service training the majority of clinic nurses
become school nurses and undertake duties offering greater responsibility and
scope.
School nursing duties in secondary schools throughout the Borough are
undertaken by school nurses. Primary schools are the responsibility of health
visitors.
HEALTH EDUCATION
As in 1969, expansion of the service has continued, and, as was hoped,
contacts made then have developed into more lasting liaisons, Regular teaching
sessions in adolescents' homes, a teachers' training college etc. are now established,
adding to the sessions already taking place in schools, colleges of further education,
mothers' clubs, hospitals and Mother & Baby Homes.
Participation in the training and examining of St. John's Ambulance and
Red Cross Association member, when requested, continues and speakers to
church mothers' clubs, youth clubs and schools are still supplied.
A weight watchers club run by the school nurse in a primary school is
enthusiastically attended and has been the first of similar clubs to be formed in
other schools.
Mothers' clubs have increased in number and size, the programmes providing
a fine balance between entertainment and education. Creches have proved their