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36
THE WORK OF THE HEALTH VISITORS
Miss L. E. Oakley, S.R.N., S. C. M., H. V. Cert.
Superintendent Health Visitor
The demands of the School Health service dominated 1961. An
exceptionally heavy programme of medical inspections was carried
through and was not allowed to interfere with the home visiting
of the 'under-fives' which is the most important part of the
Health Visitor's work. An increased birth rate added to the
number of first visits which had to be paid, and these were often
fitted in after school sessions.
The Phenylketonuria test, carried out when an infant is between
three and six weeks old, has now become generally accepted
by parents. Unfortunately the simple test for the early detection
of deafness in babies of nine months who have been subjected
to any condition liable to cause deafness has not been so
well received, in spite of personal calls by the Health Visitor
to explain the necessity.
It would seem that sound Mothercraft teaching backed up by
good health teaching in the homes is the one sure method of
breaking down this indifference. It will be some time before
parents realise that the time for dealing with minor defects of
eyes, ears and posture is before the child enters school - not
afterwards. School is a new world for the five year old and he
should enter it as physically and mentally well-equipped as
possible, if he is to reap its benefits.
To help towards this end a Toddlers' Club has been set up in
the East Croydon Area, to which mothers and toddlers come; the
mothers to form a discussion group under the guidance of the
Health Visitor to talk over the many health problems which arise
in their families and the children to join a play group run by
voluntary workers. A Medical Officer is in attendance and each
toddler is given a complete medical examination once a year, any
minor defect found being referred for the appropriate treatment
or advice. This appears to have been very successful and it is
hoped to start similar clubs in other parts of the Borough.
The Mother' s Clubs at New Addington and South Norwood continue
to flourish, whilst the Parent's Club at Lodge Road does
attract a few fathers when the subject to be discussed is of
more than usual interest. The Health visitors concerned with
the running of the clubs are to be thanked for the cheerful way
in which they undertake this voluntary effort after a hard day's