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29
of December. Three members of the staff have each had the misfortune
to need three months' sick leave and one had maternity
leave, but their colleagues have ensured that the essential services
have been maintained during their absence. One student Health
Visitor was successful in her examination.
The work of the Health Visitors as advisers on all aspects of
maternal and child care has proceeded smoothly during the year.
The field of work covered by the Health Visitor has broadened
over the last few years to embrace the whole family in the advice
she gives on all matters related to health. As her wider function
is becoming known her services are being increasingly sought. The
broad aspect of her work has been facilitated by closer links with
general practitioners and hospital staff so that a fully integrated
service is developing.
Special attention has been paid to various groups according
to need. Advice on psychoprophylaxis methods of preparation for
childbirth is available at clinics, children at risk of handicap are
kept under close surveillance and children with mental and
physical and social handicaps are visited more frequently than
others.
Health education to senior girls has begun in a few secondary
modern schools and a session for senior citizens at St. Paul's Cray
informing them of the various services available has been well
received.
Playgroups for children under five years of age have been
started at clinic premises and are organised by the mothers. A
special playgroup for the under fives has been organised by the
local branch of the parents of mentally handicapped children. A
Health Visitor is available at these sessions for guidance and
consultation.
In Service Training
Four Health Visitors attended a two week residential Refresher
Course and one an Administrative Course. Two Fieldwork Instructors
have been trained in order to train Student Health Visitors in
their practical work. Several of the staff have attended short
courses on matters relevant to their work bearing the cost themselves
and doing the courses in their leisure time.
All the Health Visitors were invited to lectures arranged by
the Kent County Council every afternoon for one week in May,
and most were able to attend.
Staff meetings have been held at monthly intervals when a
speaker on a special subject has been invited, or a film on some
branch of the work has been shown.
Training provided by the Health Visitors
Student Nurses have been out with the Health Visitors as
required by their Training Body, from Orpington, Farnborough,