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Prophylaxis
During a period of shortage of doctors in the Clinics, some Health Visitors have
carried out immunisations, under medical coverage, in order to keep the children
adequately protected. It is hoped to extend the use of health visiting staff in this
sphere of work.
Creche Sessions
These have been increased in number to accommodate young children of mothers
attending the educational activities in the Clinics, e.g. sewing classes.
Mothers' Clubs have continued in the Clinics and Psychoprophylactic (preparation for
childbirth) sessions have been given by Health Visitors to mothers in clinics and in
Bethnal Green Hospital.
Pre SchooI Play Groups
The number of these groups in the Borough is increasing steadily and all of them
require regular supervision and advice from the Health Visitors and occasional visits by
a Nursing Officer.
ChiId Mi nders
At the end of October, 1968 there were 6 statutory minders in addition to 42
minders voluntarily registered with the Council and who received a fee from the Council.
On 1st November, the amendments to the Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act,
1948, came into force with a period of 3 months ''grace'' to make the necessary
arrangements to comply with the very stringent new regulations. This involves detailed
inspection of the premises, together with full enquiries into the health of the entire
household and obtaining personal references with the result that many reliable minders
refused to apply for registration. It will be appreciated that this has placed an
unprecedented extra burden on Nursing Officers and Health Visitors alike, due to the
short time available in which to inaugurate the scheme.
Liaison with General Practitioners and Hospitals
A good liaison between al1 the nursing and health visiting staff has been maintained
with the local hospitals Liaison with general practitioners in their surgeries has made
a promising start. Four general practitioners in the Borough now receive weekly visits
from their local Health Visitor to facilitate constructive action and follow up of
cases where necessary.
Health Education
Health Visitors continue to take part in health education programmes carried on in
the schools.
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