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79
General Practitioner and Health Visitor
One health visitor continues to work twice-monthly with a general
practitioner, one session for mothers and babies and another teaching
mothercraft to expectant mothers. I am sure the people covered
benefit from this combined service. Other general practitioners
continue to telephone for assistance via the Public Health Department.
Health Education
Apart from our campaigns mentioned, our health education
efforts continue as last year. The three mothers' clubs are kept
going by the efforts of the health visitors. The seven mothercraft
and relaxation sessions could I am sure be much better attended.
Careers Exhibition and Training of other Students
The above exhibition was held in the Town Hall and health
visitors assisted the hospital stands. A tree of professions in the
nursing world took pride of place and health visiting leaflets were
displayed. Any opportunity given to increase suitable candidates to
the profession is worth while. Many of the school children visiting
the stands knew the health visitor and questions were varied. We
continue to train student health visitors, student nurses and other
social workers.
Tuberculosis Visiting
The work of our three tuberculosis visitors has been changing
slightly and follow-up of cases of lung cancer now need their attention.
The liaison with the nearest chest hospital has improved and
visits made to reassure patients worried about home difficulties or
to persuade them to accept their treatment have been helpful."
At the end of theyear therewerel9 full-time and5 part-time qualified
health visitors and school nurses, in addition to the Superintendent Health
Visitor, and 5 clinic nurses.
The following is a summary of the home visits made by the health
visitors and clinic-nurses during 1961 as far as Part III Services are
concemed:-
First visits to newly-born infants 2,505
Subsequent visits to children under 1 year of age6,732
Subsequent visits to children over 1 year of age and
under 514,878
Visits to expectant mothers 1,098
Home visits for other reasons (inc. 1,247 visits to old
folk) 3,798
Total visits paid 29,011