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134
maintained with the obstetric departments of hospitals in the division, and the
cordial relationship established was a prime factor in the efficient running of this
important part of the service. Unfortunately, resignations of dental officers
necessitated further curtailment of the school dental service. One dental hygienist
is employed in this division.
"Open
Days"
Upen days started at tour 01 tne largest weiiare centres tne aim oeing to
give local workers in the various branches of the health service an opportunity of
meeting the staff and of getting a closer insight into the work of the centres.
Invitations were accepted by general practitioners, hospital medical officers,
matrons, almoners and sisters, head teachers, and a large number of social workers—
a most encouraging response.
Welfare of
old people
A statistical survey was maae ot tne circumstances of 1,050 old persons wno
were receiving home help. This brought to light many interesting facts. (The
Report has been published in a Medical Journal.*) In view of the increasing number
of old people who live alone and who do not receive adequate care and attention, it
is essential that there be the fullest co-operation between everyone concerned, and
it is particularly important that, for example, the services of home helps, district
nurses and voluntary workers are sought early—this is, unfortunately, sometimes
never sought and often left until the old person has become permanently bedridden.
The greatest problem of all is that of the aged sick who are left entirely alone at
night and at weekends. With the object of discussing these problems and bringing
about better co-ordination of effort a conference was called which was attended
by representatives of the various statutory and voluntary bodies interested in the
subject. The results of the meeting were encouraging. Male home helps are
proving very useful, particularly in homes which have become dirty through
neglect. The initial prejudice to the visit of a male worker is being overcome.
Health
education
New film strips have been purchased: the subjects include ante-natal care,
accidents in the home and problem families. This useful adjunct to health teaching
in welfare centres is becoming increasingly popular. Regular weekly mothercraft
classes were held in four welfare centres, at which the attendances increased. A
lending library was started at one welfare centre as an experiment. It is well patronised,
and the books are read by fathers as well as mothers. In view of its popularity
the scheme has been extended to other centres. The books cover a wide range of
health subjects such as child care and management, home making, marriage guidance
and simple physiology. There is no charge for borrowing, and it is gratifying to note
that the books are returned promptly and in good condition. An approach was
made to the borough councils regarding the availability in public libraries of books
on mothercraft and child welfare. It was a pleasure to find that a number of suitable
books were available. Additional books—recommended by the divisional staff—are
being purchased, and in many libraries appropriate publicity is being given to books
of this nature.
School
health
service
The number of attendances at school treatment centres rose. I he special
clinics were continued, including those held at King's College Hospital and the
Children's Hospital, Sydenham, which are attended by school treatment, organisers,
who also visit St. Giles and Dulwich hospitals.
Health
visiting
There was again a slight increase in staff, which lightened the case-load, but it
is still above an average of over 1,000 children under 5 years of age to each health
visitor. These numbers, combined with the increased number of reports on home
visits required by hospitals and other social agencies, mean that there had to be a
reduction in the number of routine visits paid to certain age-groups. The health
visitors are now concentrating on those families where there are special difficulties
or where there is a low standard of home care. A considerable amount of time is
given to these families, which, it is hoped, is time well spent in the interest of preven*Chalke,
H. D. and Benjamin, B. (1951). The Medical Officer, 85, 65.