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77
We hope gradually to educate the mothers against repeated
weighing. It causes the mothers to go away worrying if a baby has
lost weight. Usually a simple explanation can be found but this
still does not satisfy an anxious mother.
Early in the year discussions were held on the new London
areas. In fact 1964 was rather clouded by the approaching changes.
All of us were sorry to be parting from our Essex colleagues.
Considerable assistance was given to me by the retiring
Superintendent Health Visitor of the Forest Area— Staff and Clinics
were visited in the Wanstead and Woodford areas.
Co-operation with General Practitioners.— As reported last
year, it was found possible to allocate the services of two health
visitors, on a part-time basis to the practices of two general practitioners.
One health visitor attending for 1 session per month commenced
in March 1964 and the other health visitor attending for 1
session per week commenced in May, 1964.
In-Service Psychiatric Training for Health Visitors.— In
consultation with the Physician Superintendent of Goodmayes Hospital,
a course of lectures for Health Visitors, given by the medical
and other staff at that hospital was arranged in May 1964.
The course lasted 5 days and altogether 12 Health Visitors
attended, 6 from the Ilford Health Area, 4 from the Forest Health
Area and 2 from the County 3orough of West Ham.
Toddlers Clinic.- The success of these clinics depend very
much on the areas concerned. We hope as word gets round themothers
will come to these clinics for assistance. After one year of age,
attendances at Clinics tend to stop. By sending appointments to
mothers it is hoped that they will continue to use the services
offered until the child reaches five years of age.
Heathcote Clinic commenced a second Toddlers Clinic each
month. Manford Way commenced one per month, this is not such an
easy area and the results of attendances are sometimes disappointing.
Ethel Davies School.— Two Health Visitors were "decentralised"
to their own office in the above new school. They are
now situated within easy access to their areas.