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blood from the baby between the fifth and tenth day following birth, and it
was thought that the midwife was the right person to undertake this work.
The Superintendent Midwife deals with the despatch of specimens to the
laboratory for the recording of results. Health visitors remained responsible
for a second "Phenistix" urine test of babies between 5 and 6 weeks
of age.
For detailed figures see page 25.
Health Visiting Service
In the early part of the year staffing presented particular problems.
The nurse assistants appointed to undertake routine duties in connection
with school work proved invaluable, but a depleted health visiting staff
found it difficult to cope with their duties in the maternity and child welfare
field. Many were carrying double case loads. Until September recruitment
lagged behind resignations. Three sponsored students who qualified
at that time made all the difference and a fresh impetus was given to this
field of nursing. It is hoped that the Health Visitor Training Course now
held at the Technical College will make it possible to fill vacancies more
easily, thus relieving a very hard pressed service.
Health education suffered because of staff shortages, particularly in
the toddler clinics where time is needed to persuade mothers that toddlers
can be left to play under supervision and that a talk on health and family
problems followed by discussion can be a stimulating experience for them.
So much is written of these matters in periodicals and newspapers that the
need for the spoken word is often forgotten. To be able to discuss one's
problems with others is itself an exercise in health education.
Health Visitors were disturbed about the lack of play facilities for
children under five and every help was given to women wishing to open
playgroups. In spite of the demand, standards must be maintained and the
specialist health visitor responsible for all services included in the
Nurseries and Child Minders Regulation Act has proved to be of great
help to all potential organisers. There was difficulty in finding sufficient
women prepared to daily mind children despite this proving to be a well
worth while job. Day nursery places are few and in many cases the nursery
is not within easy reach of the mother.
During the year as a result of urine tests carried out by the health
visitors two babies were found to be suffering from phenylketonuria. Both
were under treatment and appeared to be progressing normally.
For detailed figures see page 25.
District Nursing Service
The appointment of a general trained nurse with a special training in
the rehabilitation of patients following strokes or periods of prolonged