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13
tised in Dagenham is very satisfactory, as we have been
fortunate in securing a competent staff. It cannot, however,
be overlooked that healthy competition is bound to
raise the level of any skilled occupation.
HEALTH
VISITORS.
The duties imposed upon Health
visitors continue to increase, the
figures later in the report will show
the very large number of visits carried out by the Health
Visiting staff. Recently an order has been received from
the Ministry of Health suggesting that these ladies should
devote a proportion of their time to investigation and
advice regarding head lice. This entails visits outside
their normal working hours as the idea of paying occasional
early morning and evening visits is encouraged.
They have also undertaken additional duties regarding
the immunisation against Diphtheria, and perform a valuable
service in persuading parents of those who have not
been immunised to accept this treatment. Certain additional
duties also devolve upon them regarding the Adoption
of Children (Regulation) Act, 1939, which was made
effective from 1st June, 1943. Under this Act certain
visits and enquiries are necessary which are similar to
those undertaken under the provisions for foster children
made in the Public Health Act, 1936. Our Health Visitors
certainly have gained the confidence of the people of
Dagenham; it is a rare occurrence for them to be received
other than with a friendly welcome. This is in marked
contrast to what was the usual experience when this valuable
service was first introduced.
NURSING IN
THE HOME.
The Borough is very well served by
the Dagenham District Nursing Association
which covers the whole of
the area. District nursing is one of the less spectacular