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47
A Principal Medical Officer and a Public Health Inspector regularly visit the nursing homes to inspect
the premises, check the service provided, and give advice on alterations and improvements. By this means
all the nursing homes are maintained to the required standards. Guidance is also given to enquirers seeking
advice on general requirements prior to considering a nursing home project in detail.
HEALTH EDUCATION
During 1972 a number of first-class professional films were shown to members of the Health Department
staff and invitations were issued to Social Services, Hospital staff and many voluntary organisations when
the subjects were appropriate. The response was excellent and lively discussions were followed by individual
action. These meetings also provided an opportunity to strengthen links between the various Health, Social
work and hospital disciplines.
The Health Department's Assistant for Health Education left the City Council's service in the autumn
and it was not found possible to appoint a successor. In the meanwhile the City Council approved an
additional post of Health Education Officer as from 1st April, 1973 and in the intervening period the duties
of the Assistant for Health Education were taken over by an Area Nursing Officer and a Senior Administrative
Assistant.
In September, under the chairmanship of the Area Nursing Officer, a small working party composed of
Nursing Officers from the Health Visiting and District Nursing disciplines was formed with the aim of
planning a comprehensive programme of Health Education for 1973. Monthly topics corresponding with
national and local projects were arranged and staff briefing notes for the year were circulated to all staff
concerned.
Topics arranged for 1973 are as follows:—
Mental Health to include stimulation of the pre-school child;
Nutrition;
Family Planning;
Dental Health;
Resuscitation;
Smoking, Health and Beauty;
Servicing of Oil Heaters;
Feet;
Back to School;
What to do in case of illness;
Fireworks;
Reminder on servicing of oil heaters;
Hypothermia, and choosing toys for Christmas;
Christmas safety.
Plans for the January and February topics were laid before Christmas and it was agreed that the former
should concentrate on stimulation of the pre-school child. The Children's Librarian of the Libraries
Department agreed to participate and used the Maternal and Child Health Clinics during January to exhibit
children's books and encourage and advise mothers on suitable reading material for young children. Several
playgroups agreed to participate in having open days when parents could visit and be given practical
instruction and teaching in play materials and methods. Health Visitors issued invitations and encouraged
families most in need of this kind of information to attend the open days. The health visitors were also
available to participate and help with instruction. It was hoped that the scheme once launched would be a
continuing process.