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Disposable syringes—In 1959 attention was given to possible alternative methods for
providing sterile syringes and needles for immunisation work in the division other than by
boiling, which was the then accepted practice. The Health Committee approved the provision
through the Paddington Group Hospital Management Committee's central syringe
service of sterile syringes and needles to be distributed to the various clinics in sealed containers
for a twelve-month trial period; this arrangement proved to be a distinct advance
on the boiling method. Plastic disposable syringes were made available in March 1961.
They were found to be more satisfactory and the cost less than that of the syringe service
and their use was extended to all the centres in the division and subsequently to other
divisions.
Prevention of break-up of families—It is of particular interest to note that the experiment
carried out in March 1956 in three divisions, of which this division was one, of appointing
the divisional treatment organiser (later styled the divisional social worker) as
secretary of the local co-ordinating committee was so successful that it was extended to
the remaining divisions. As a result of the work undertaken by the committee, there has been
a marked increase in the amount of consultation and co-operation with other statutory and
voluntary organisations, whose representatives are constantly in touch with the divisional
social worker about problem families. This is invaluable in the casework and is probably
one of the most encouraging developments of social work.
This division was also one of the first to introduce home advice groups for selected
mothers, as part of the general arrangements for dealing with mothers of problem and
potential problem families. There are two in the division and although the numbers attending
are small they serve a most useful purpose.
Mental health—Over the four years of decentralisation since 1960 the mental health
work in the division has steadily increased and with the provision of additional staff,
advances have been possible in the community care field. Mental health social workers
attend weekly after-care conferences at two of the division's catchment area hospitals
and also at the Westminster day hospital. Another valuable link has been forged by the
arrangement whereby two medical students studying psychiatry spend a whole day once a
month in training with the mental health social workers.
The special unit for severely sub-normal children at Coram's Garden day nursery was
opened in 1963; this year six children attended regularly.
Health education—Health education plays a prominent part in the activities of this
division and has developed considerably during the past sixteen years. In addition to
individual teaching, health visitors have organised health education in the welfare centres
through mother's clubs, courses in mothercraft and ante-natal exercises, cookery and
sewing classes. A programme covering the year and projecting a different health education
theme each month is compiled; literature, posters, leaflets and films are discussed and
selected for distribution at each monthly meeting. The meetings also act as a forum for the
exchange of information and ideas between health visitors.
In addition, large-scale campaigns are held from time to time with the co-operation of the
Education Officer and other organisations. The local press help with publicity and exhibitions,
displays, films and talks are given at schools and welfare centres. An indication of the
interest aroused is shown by the fact that at the campaign at the end of 1964, which was on
dental health, over 1,200 school children from 26 schools attended an exhibition during one
week in October and 142 film shows and talks were given at schools and welfare centres.
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