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HEALTH EDUCATION
Prior to June of this year, when a Health Education Officer was appointed, health education
was undertaken by individual members of the Health Department as the need arose, and by
professional staff in their daily contact with the public in the home, and at clinic sessions.
Miss Wesson, Health Education Officer, reports:
Since June the acquisition of basic equipment has played an important part in the setting up
of this section, together with the establishment of lines of communication with statutory and
voluntary bodies. A Health Education Committee has been inaugurated to decide health education
policy throughout the Borough, and a multi-disciplinary working party has been set up.
A regular supply of posters on health topics and home safety subjects have been distributed
to clinics, hospitals and general practitioners. The public have availed themselves of the services
of the section, and students from schools and colleges have made frequent visits for information
and literature for projects. Requests for speakers, from many sources, have been met as far
as possible, but due to lack of staff this service has had to be limited. The help given by doctors
and nursing staff has been greatly appreciated particularly as much of this work has entailed
evening sessions.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE SECTION
As will be seen from the statistics, relaxation and mothercraft classes have flourished, and
co-operation with local maternity hospitals has enabled health visitors to participate in hospital
classes and pupil midwives to visit local authority classes.
PARENTCRAFT CLASSES
These classes are held in the evenings to enable fathers to attend, but they have not proved
to be the success visualised.
MOTHERS DISCUSSION GROUPS
Mothers discussion groups conducted by health visitors have been successful, many health
topics have been introduced into these sessions, and outside speakers have been invited, for specific
subjects. These groups have also been valuable for young children, who have been given an
opportunity to play together. This has been especially valuable to those unable to attend a
play group.
HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
Four senior schools have health visitors visiting regularly to conduct courses on child care
and health subjects. Other schools have had occasional speakers on various subjects.
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