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HEALTH VISITING
Dorothy M. Coe, S.R.N., R.F.N., S.C.M., H.V., C. & G.
Technical Teachers' Certificate, Diploma in Social Sciences
(Chief Nursing Officer)
In spite of many changes and challenges both nationally and locally, the health
visitors continue to give loyal and effective service. Although they have beer
involved in the changed organisation resulting from the introduction of a new
management structure and the development of close liaison schemes with genera
practitioners, hospitals and the new Social Services Department, their principal
objective remains the provision of an effective service for the whole family.
Many of the changes which have taken place are the result of increased interest
shown by general practitioners and hospital staff and the introduction and acceptance
of the health centre.
The health visiting service has been in existence for over 100 years yet the health
visitor often seems to go unrecognised and unsung, for it is a difficult profession to
define and even more difficult to measure. Now, however, with the attachment of
health visitors to general practitioners' surgeries, the public are becoming more
aware of the health visitor's role.
Health Centres
The opening of the Jenner Centre in October has provided a valuable stimulus
to the nursing staff. The team employed in the centre are working well to provide
an integrated, comprehensive service for all age groups and appreciate the benefits
resulting from the close relationships with general practitioners and staff in the
centre. Problems and treatment can be dealt with during one visit thus avoiding
the need for further referrals and appointments.
The centre is already in demand from those wishing to hold teaching sessions
for community and hospital nurses.
General Practitioner/Health Visitor Attachments and Liaison Schemes
Two health visitors are now fully attached and work from rebuilt modern surgeries—
with three doctors in each group. They both agree that job satisfaction and the
quality of family service offered to the public is improved. Their records are kept
in the surgery with medical records and both are readily available to the doctor
and health visitor. Regular consultation means that there is a unity of decision and
the doctor obtains information about the family background since, frequently, the
presenting complaint of the patient attending the surgery is only a reflection of
the real family problem. More visits are paid to old people.
Health visitors in attachment and liaison schemes find that the number of home
visits has increased and a larger area than previously is covered. The number of
these schemes is limited due to lack of suitable premises. Many more evening
visits have to be made because people are not available during the day.
Liaison with Hospitals
Existing links with consultants and staff in hospital have continued and strengthened.
Health visitors are involved in specialist duties with the following groups:
spina-bifida, geriatrics, psychogeriatrics, diabetics and paediatrics.
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