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SECTION 24 - HEALTH VISITING
This year the Health Visitors have undertaken a great deal of mental health work.
The staff have now all received training in the principles of mental health at Claybury
Hospital and are aware of the importance of preventing emotional breakdown.
Health visiting has changed greatly in the last few years due to the wider concept
of health and the realisation that it is a combination of physical, emotional and social
well-being. To assist with classification the large case load of each health visitor
has been divided into five groups:-
1. Socially sound family who seeks help and is amenable to advice.
2. Those requiring a good deal of visiting and support, but not in
groups 3 and 4.
3. Potential problem families.
4. Hard core: problem families.
5. Old people.
Of course these groups are not rigid and each health visitor uses her discretion.
The largest group is No.1. Many of the mothers who come to the clinic appreciate the
chance to discuss not only their children's health but also other personal matters.
More provision has therefore been made for privacy in clinics.
CASE WORK WITH POTENTIAL AND PROBLEM FAMILIES
There are two units for homeless families in Leyton: one situated in Langthorne
Hospital and the other in Whipps Cross Hospital. The families come to the unit for a
variety of reasons such as low intelligence, prolonged and recurrent unemployment of
the main wage earner, chronic family debt, or the husband may be serving a prison
sentence. The causes are numerous but the families have one factor in common - they all
need a great deal of help, as otherwise they will become long term social problems.
The aim is to help these people not only in the management of their children but
particularly in their approach to life. Many have a grudge against society and if they
are able to establish a good relationship with the visitor and their immediate family
they stand a better chance of becoming useful members of the Community.
SOCIAL WORKERS LUNCHEON CLUB
Health visitors must work as members of a team. This can only be achieved by
knowing other workers personally. Social Workers now meet once a month at Leyton Green
Clinic and at this meeting, over a sandwich lunch, short talks are given by a member
about his or her work. Talks have been given by the Paediatrician and Head Almoner of
Whipps Cross Hospital, the Chief Probation Officer, School Medical Officer, Chief
Administrative Assistant, W.V.S.Organiser and National Assistance Board Manager. The
chief value, however, is the personal acquaintance which each member makes with the
others.
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