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"All new babies born in the Borough are visited by routine and
thereafter a system of selective visiting is followed. This type of
visiting of the under five age group is possible because of the increased
standard of mothercraft which has been achieved. Intensive
case work of potential problem and problem families have had
rewarding and encouraging results.
"The increase in the number of elderly people has resulted in
a further increase in visits. Additional visits have also been paid
by the Health Visiting Staff to elderly people as a result of the greater
number of referrals from hospitals for the follow-up and after-care
of geriatric patients.
"Co-operation with hospitals is a very important part of the
health visitor's work and this is good in the Borough. Weekly
visits are paid by the staff to Langthorne Hospital. Twice weekly
visits are made to the paediatric wards at Whipps Cross Hospital,
where Health visitors pay a round with the Paediatrician to discuss
Walthamstow cases. The co-operation with Connaught Hospital is
maintained by fortnightly sessions with the Almoner, who I see
personally.
"The co-operation between health visitors and general practitioners
has improved throughout the year. Many problems are
referred to the health visitors and they, in turn, call at the family
doctors' surgeries to discuss cases on their lists. Two health visitors
are present at two general practitioners' infant welfare sessions held
weekly, and in the near future, another three health visitors will be
in attendance at three other practitioners' infant welfare clinics.
"Relaxation classes are held at the three ante-natal clinics and
talks given on the physiology and hygiene of pregnancy, mechanism
of labour and preparation for childbirth, as well as advice and
instruction on diet, layette, ending with the film "My First Baby".
Visual aids prove very useful in this important teaching. One health
visitor received instruction in relaxation exercises, and a class was
started at the "Carville" Home for unmarried mothers and babies
in West Avenue Road. The request for this service came from Miss
E. Williams, Superintendent of the Home, and the classes are
proving valuable.
"I must pay tribute to my staff for the wonderful way they have
supported me in the past year. Three of our colleagues had major
illnesses and were off duty for long periods of sick leave, but because
of the extra efforts made by the remainder of the staff, no work was
neglected.
"The health visitors co-operated in the practical training of the
following:—
(a) Eight student nursery nurses visited infant welfare,
ante-natal, minor ailments, chiropody and other special clinics
to meet the requirements of their training syllabus. The students