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Reference has already been made to the yearly campaign
for immunisation against diphtheria, in which Area No. 2
plays its part. This campaign includes the showing of
slides in local cinemas, advertisements and articles in
local newspapers, special talks at clinics, and the display
of posters.
Members of our staff are constantly bringing the need
for immunisation to the notice of parents, especially stressing
the fact that immunisation should be complete some time
before the end of the first year. We also make a point
of acquainting general practitioners with our policy from
time to time, so that the work of immunisation can be properly
integrated. Thus, we notify general practitioners
of changes in procedure as, for instance, when we discontinued
immunisation against diphtheria and pertussis for a short
time during the summer months because of the local prevalence
of poliomyelitis.
The Committee will be aware that health education in
Middlesex is shared between the areas and the district
councils which make up these areas. We co-operate very
closely with the Borough and Urban District Councils concerned,
so that maximum benefit can be expected. The
work of health education in Area No. 2 includes:
The circulation of the magazine "Better
Health"; health talks and film shows at
clinics and to local organisations; the
display of posters; the supply of leaflets
and pamphlets in the Area Health Office,
libraries and at clinics; articles in
the local press, and special efforts
designed as periodic stimuli, e.g., a
yearly immunising campaign.
Apart from these activities, it must always be remembered
that the basis of health education lies in the advice
given to mothers in the home and at Clinics by Medical
Officers, Health Visitors, Midwives, Home Nurses and other
members of the staff.
We have also tried to make it known that the Area
Health Office is to be regarded as an information bureau,
to which any special problem can be brought and where advice
and assistance will readily be forthcoming.
Although the effects of health education are not readily
discernible, I am convinced that we must always consider
this to be an integral part of our work. Without health
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