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44
HEALTH VISITING
The health visiting establishment at the end of 1968
provided for the employment of one superintendent health visitor,
one group adviser, 28 health visitors, 2 student health visitors
and the equivalent of 3 clinic nurses.
The actual staff were: 1 superintendent health visitor,
1 group adviser, 25 full-time health visitors, 6 part-time health
visitors, 2 student health visitors and 7 part-time clinic nurses.
Four of the health visitors are fieldwork instructors and
are responsible for the practical training of student health visitors.
Two health visitors work entirely with the elderly. One
is attached to the geriatric unit of Kingston Hospital, her services
being shared with the borough of Richmond upon Thames and with Surrey
County Council. The second geriatric health visitor has been
responsible for organising the health clinics for the elderly and for
liaison with the general practitioners in the areas where these
clinics have been commenced.
One health visitor's time continues to be shared between
health visiting and preparation of materials for health education
displays.
Five health visitors participate in regular health
education series in schools.
Six health visitors have regular liaison with general
practitioners. Arrangements are made for the health visitor who
carries the heaviest caseload belonging to the group practice to
visit the surgery either once or twice weekly for exchange of
information. This service has been provided to all general
practitioners who have requested it.
One health visitor is attached to the Chest Clinic at
Kingston Hospital and also has a small caseload of elderly.
Each health visitor continues to be responsible for the
families, elderly, and schools in a prescribed geographical area and
has her base at the clinic nearest to her area.
The main increase in the work of the health visitors has
been in the care of the elderly and the supervision of daily minders,
playgroups and private day nurseries.