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sponsored for training in September 1966 completed their studies during
the year and were appointed to the full-time staff in September, 1967.
Five further student health visitors were recruited for the sponsored
training scheme and commenced their training.
Training of Health Visitors
The training period for health visitors has been increased to one full
year's training. After nine months academic training with the practical
help of the Fieldwork Instructors has been completed in one of the
approved training centres, case studies have to be presented as part of
the examination: five cases are studied in depth—two families with a new
baby and other siblings; one family with school children; one family with
a handicapped child; an elderly person. All other agencies involved are
visited in connection with the case studies. This means visits to schools
for information of the progress at school, and of the relationships at
school with other children, also follow up work with hospitals for the
handicapped child and liaison with the Welfare and Children's sections.
At the end of the academic training a three months' practical period
with the sponsoring authority under the close supervision of a senior
health visitor appointed as a group advisor has to be completed by the
health visitor student.
A report has to be given after completion to the training college. If
this period has been satisfactory and the examination has been passed,
the health visitor's certificate is awarded to the student.
Health Visitors attend a refresher course every five years to keep up
to date with new trends in their working life and during 1967 five health
visitors were seconded.
Meetings are arranged with the Tutors of Chiswick Polytechnic and
the Fieldwork Instructors to discuss the progress of the students who are
receiving practical training in the London Borough of Harrow.
Discussion Groups
Discussions with a psychiatrist have continued for the whole year for all
health visitors. Informal discussions in groups of 6-8 health visitors take
place once a week to receive expert advice in the support of difficult cases
in the community. These classes have proved to be of great value to the
health visiting staff. All health visitors attend in turn, on a rota system of
monthly groups.
A further discussion group has been taking place in the Child Guidance
Clinic under the guidance of the psychiatrist Dr. Hood. A small
group of health visitors has attended fortnightly since 14th September,
1967, together with representatives of the Probation Service, and mental
welfare officers.