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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 education, little
progress of lasting value can be anticipated. It is for this reason
that we have concentrated on health education, and that no avenue
will be left unexplored.
In this connection, it might be mentioned that we have
collaborated with Messrs. Marmite Ltd in the making of a sound
film, during which Cranborne Clinic was used. I would very much
like to have the pleasure of arranging a sound film in which the
general health activities in Area No. 2 were depicted. The Committee
will remember that this has already been discussed and
strongly supported by the Committee. As several years have now
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