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17
HEALTH VISITING
The health visitor's function is primarily that of teaching the principles of health—physical and
mental. In her visits to families in the home the health visitor becomes aware of early stress or tension, and
can, with their permission, seek the help of the other social workers in the team. Visits are also paid to advise
on the care of those suffering from infectious illness at home.
The general care of the elderly, either living within the family circle or alone, is making increasing
demands on the health visitor's time. This is a sphere in which they are working closely in co-operation with
general practitioners and other members of the health team.
Circular No. 26/59 of the Ministry of Health states: —
"The health visitor's work should be broadly based and should extend to the whole family."
Health Education
Talks have been given in clinics and schools. Poster displays have been set up in clinics to illustrate
current topical points of health education, and suitable films have been shown to a variety of audiences.
Sponsored students
Five sponsored student health visitors successfully completed a course at the Chiswick Polytechnic
and joined the staff in September. Health visitors assist them in their practical training, and also with student
nurses and other students who come to see the work in the public health field.
In-service training
Two health visitors attended a day release course on "Human Relations." A second series of classes
of instruction in the teaching of relaxation during childbirth, were held at one of the local clinics and were
attended by health visitors and midwives. The classes were found to be both stimulating and instructive.
Most health visitors have attended lectures given by the Paediatrician at the Kingsbury Maternity
Hospital.
Refresher Courses
Three health visitors attended courses on various aspects of their work. Five also attended a half-day
conference organised by the British Diabetic Association.
HOME NURSING
There has been an increase again this year in the number of cases referred for nursing at home.
This is a service which must and does work in close liaison with the hospital and general practitioner,
to give nursing care within the patient's own home.
There is a wide range of work, covering the young, the old, the acute, the chronic; these cases may
necessitate daily or twice-daily visits. In 1962 a pilot scheme was started whereby a district Nursing Sister was
attached to a group of general practitioners. This scheme worked well to the benefit of the patient and the
satisfaction of the doctors and nurse, and two further schemes were introduced during the year, which are
progressing well.
SMALLPOX VACCINATION
Of the 1,210 primary vaccinations reported during the year 69.5 per cent were given to children aged
one year and 17.3 per cent to children aged between two and four years. This indicates that the postponement
of primary vaccination till the second year of life, advocated by the Ministry of Health in the previous
year, has been adopted generally. Only 67 records of revaccination were received due to the fact that the
Ministry has now decided that only records in respect of persons under the age of 16 years need be obtained
by Local Authorities.
IMMUNISATION
All children under one year are offered protection against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus,
and private doctors and assistant medical officers of health immunise them. Children usually receive reinforcing
doses just before they start school.
3,667 children completed a full course of primary immunisation, and 2,154 received a full reinforcing
injection.
INOCULATION AGAINST POLIOMYELITIS
During the year 3,670 persons received a primary course inoculation, the majority of whom were
aged between six months and one year, indicating that people in the priority groups were now protected
against poliomyelitis. 1,027 reinforcing doses were given to children prior to admission to school.
HOME HELP SERVICE
Three health visitors attended courses on variond a further slight increase in the number of cases still
receiving help at the end of the year (690).
Two tuberculosis cases were helped, and help was provided free to three mothers suffering from
toxaemia of pregnancy.
Sixty-eight bookings were taken for home confinements but only 34 mothers were helped, the others
either going into hospital or making other arrangements.