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26
HEALTH EDUCATION AND HOME SAFETY
Miss D.S. Elliott, S.R.N., H.V.Cert., Dip.,H.E.,
Principal Health Education Officer.
"Nature and Nature's Laws lay hid in night;
God said. Let Newton be! - and all was light".
Alexander Pope.
If "Health Education" were substituted for "Newton" one would be voicing
the opinions of those who expect changes in behaviour and reduction in manmade
ill-health to occur as a direct result of educational effort. It is, however,
only a part, but an essential part of the accumulation of environmental and
personal experiences which continue to mould attitudes and behaviour throughout
life. Offered at appropriate times Health Education can have either a
catalystic or reinforcing effect.
The increasing scope of the Health Education Section and the demands
made upon it since tentative beginnings in 1957 bear witness to public and professional
interest in health information and in opportunities for discussion with
skilled staff.
During the year routine work and in-service training continued as usual
with the close co-operation of Health Education staff, Doctors and Health
Visitors, District Nurses, Midwives, Public Health Inspectors, Social Workers,
Pharmacists and Teachers. There was constant monitoring and renewal of
teaching equipment, programmes and background information for staff.
The first edition of "Health Education News" with a foreword written by
Dr. S.L. Wright, was published and circulated to 1,000 General Practitioners,
School and Education staffs, Public Health and Social Services' staffs,
Hospital and Occupational Health staffs and many others. It included a description
of the Health Education team and short items of practical interest for the
different disciplines.
Other new ventures during the year included:-
(a) Health Education in General Practice
In November, following enquiries and several visits to the Health Education
Section to view educational materials, a General Practitioner in South
Croydon began Health Education sessions in surgery premises. With the help
of the Health Visitor attached to the Group Practice and a member of the Health
Education staff, weekly sessions were held between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Topics
included "home nursing", "heart disease" and "nutrition". The first audiences
were small but the topics proved to be relevant. At the end of the year plans
were being made to publicise sessions more effectively. It was clear that a
need existed for this type of informal education.