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liaison between general practitioners and the local authority services , home nurses
were attached to three genera] practitioner group practices.
Conferences and study sessions of varying lengths were attended and
appreciated by 19 home nurses throughout the year.
Day Nurseriies
Throughout the year, an average of 107 children (and their families) were
helped by the provision of nursery vacancies. Many of these children were from
home back-grounds having multiple difficulties and in consequence made
considerably demands on the skills of the nursery staff. Despite frequent
staff shortages and lack of fully trained personnel, the staff continued to give
of their best to provide a happy environment for the children.
Child Minders and Pre -School Playgroups
In December, there was a total of 37 registered Child Minders and 24
Pre-school Playgroups. The work of inspection, registration and supervision of
all groups was continued. Health visitors visited and advised all established
child-minders and groups but follow up visits by the Assistant Nursing Officer
were also necessary to maintain satisfactory standards and to check on health
aspects, changes in staffing and attendances.
The Assistant Nursing Officer responsible continued to assist with courses
for mothers attending clinics, for playgroup leaders, child-minders and creche
attendants. Several of these courses were organised in conjunction with adult
education colleges in the Borough. In addition to advising on a wide range
of enquiries from the public, the Assistant Nurs ing Of f ice r superv i s ing , formedthe
link between the Council and voluntary organisations.
School Health
The Health Visitors and Clinic/School Nurses are responsible for the
surveillance of the genera] health and care of children in nursery, primary
and secondary schools. The health visitors' contact with the fami ly environment
can be useful to the school staff in understanding the behaviour of children.
Three School Treatment Centres are available in the Borough to deal with
minor ailments, verrucae etc. Vision and Special Investigation sessions are
also held at these centres. All types of sessions held at these centres frequently
highlight problems of deeper significance in the children attending.
School nurses and health visitors continue to play their part in the
prophylaxis programme and no opportunity is missed by the staff for 'one-to-one'
health education in whichever sphere of service they happen to be engaged.
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