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79
As to the future it seems likely that closer liaison between
family doctor and health visitor will develop on an area basis so
that a group of health visitors will work mainly with several
groups of doctors.
Some years ago, discussions took place with groups of doctors
with a view to offering facilities for them to see their own antenatal
cases in some of our clinics with the midwife in attendance.
At the time, these offers were not taken up, but at the present
time one general practitioner sees his ante-natal cases in one of our
clinics.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF STAFF
The medical examination of staff is undertaken by the Health
Department on behalf of all departments of the Council. During
the year the arrangements were reviewed and it was decided that
a routine medical examination of every new entrant to the service
would no longer be required. Staff are now asked to complete a
medical questionnaire and examinations are undertaken where
information disclosed on the questionnaire or the nature of the
employment indicate that it is desirable.
STAFF TRAINING AND STUDENT TRAINING
In-Service Education
From time to time throughout the year we have shown films
on various subjects of professional interest to the health visitors
and nursing staff. When possible the film is shown twice so that
all staff have the opportunity of attending. These occasions make
an opportunity for staff to meet one another and have been much
appreciated. Social workers from the Health, Welfare and Children's
Departments have also been invited when films were likely
to be of interest to them.
Staff Training
The six student health visitors sponsored by the Borough in
1965 all passed the Health Visitors' Examination and commenced
duty in September, 1966. Another six students were sponsored and
commenced training in October, 1966. Five of these are at Battersea
College of Advanced Technology (University of Surrey) and
one at the North Western Polytechnic.
A number of staff attended short courses arranged by the
London Boroughs Training Committee. Two health visitors
attended a ten-day course for Field Work Instructors to enable
them to supervise the practical training of health visitor students.
Four midwives and four district nurses attended one-day courses
and two health visitors attended a weekend course on the teaching
of " Relaxation and Preparation for Parenthood