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45
URBAN PROGRAMME
I indicated in my report for 1968 that no health services projects were approved under the
provisions of Phase 1 of the Government's Urban Programme, but that in February 1969, upon
re-submission of the original projects, approval in principle was given under Phase II of the
Programme for the setting up of three further pre-school playgroups.
Two of these projected playgroups, for which planning has progressed duuring 1969 are at—
(i) Clipstone Street, W.1. - purpose built as part of a residential development.
(ii) *Stowe Boys Club, Harrow Road, W.2. - renting of suitable accommodation.
(*This group commenced operation in April 1970)
It is hoped to site the third playgroup in South Westminster and the availability of suitable
premises is under investigation.
Approved projects attract a Home Office grant at the rate of 75% of approved expenditure under the
Local Government Grants (Social Need) Act 1969.
Initial capital expenditure by the local health authority is thus offset in this way and running costs
will be similarly reduced for the next three years in the first instance.
HEALTH VISITOR SERVICE
During the year 1969 the health visitors expanded their functions to provide a service defined by
the World Health Organisation as "A special field of nursing which combines the skills of nursing,
public health, and some phases of social assistance. It functions as part of the total health programme
for the promotion of health, the improvement of conditions in the social and physical environment,
rehabilitation and prevention of illness and disability".
To fulfil this role the health visitors work from the 10 welfare centres in the City where the various
preventive clinics are organised—child welfare, immunisation, antenatal and family planning,
cytology; also the special investigation clinics for schoolchildren and the special clinics for handicapped
children, and chiropody. Thus they are involved in the total health programme.
The health visitors accept a great deal of responsibility for the smooth running of the clinics and a
valuable function is their persuasion of the public to keep appointments there.
Besides the training which enables them to identify at an early stage deviations from normal in the
young, they also are skilled in developing good relations with the older members of the public and
encouraging them to attend for such things as cytology screening.
Home visiting remains one of their most vital functions, and it is in the home that so much is done
in a friendly and informal way to reassure and to offer help and support to those in need. From the
experience thus gained the need for intensive help is recognised, and the health visitors are always
ready to seek the co-operation of social workers and other colleagues within and outside the Council.
This year saw the introduction of home visiting to elderly people. There is much concern for the
older population and there is every reason to hope that successful and useful results can come from
the health visitors' visits and from their co-operation with the agencies involved with the elderly.
During the year liaison schemes have started with two of the teaching hospitals in the City; two
members of the nursing staff attend weekly sessions with the consultant geriatricians and their teams
to discuss admissions and discharges of their patients. This gives the opportunity to ensure that all
the necessary services are pre-arranged, making transition from hospital to home as smooth as
possible. This will, in time, ensure a much more comprehensive care for the aged.
A more detailed report on the Department's nursing services for old people is contained in the
next section.
Education sessions are held at the welfare centres; this year saw the introduction of classes in
English language for mothers with little or no knowledge of the language and who had often been
dependent on their children as interpreters.
Nine health visitors carry out weekly teaching sessions in schools and three teach regularly in
Technical Colleges. Other health educational activities have continued as in previous years and
displays and exhibitions are used frequently.