Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hillingdon]
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In July the Principal of Uxbridge Technical College discussed with the Director of Health
Services the possibility of introducing health education sessions into the college. Following liaison
with Mr. E. Bartholomew a pilot scheme was drawn up and the talks commenced in September;
it is hoped that all students will be reached. In conjunction with this, the existing counselling service
for students would be reinforced by members from the Health Department who would give advice
on health matters. The staff involved in the counselling service also participate in the talks and this is
proving to be a very worthwhile project.
During the year three requests were received by the Principal Health Education Officer to talk
to groups of teaching staff, such as all the domestic science teachers, about health education. An
interesting and lively evening resulted in more requests for health education in schools. Two schools
also asked for talks to the teaching staff on specific aspects of health education, this has all proved
to be most rewarding.
After liaison with the Education Department it was agreed that health education study days for
teachers should be arranged. The first such study day took place in November. Dr. J. Stuart Horner
gave the opening lecture which stimulated discussion in three small seminar groups. The afternoon
programme commenced with a talk by Dr. E. W. Jones which was followed by two films and a lively
discussion. Further study days are planned and appear to be received with enthusiasm. The cooperation
of the officers in the education department and the headmaster and staff of Hayes
Grammar School which provided the first venue is much appreciated.
In conclusion, one may safely comment that health education is increasing. More schools are
asking for talks and the health education unit frequently acts in an advisory capacity and participates
whenever desired. The year has shown promise and the members of the staff are developing the
work rapidly as more talks are given by various members of the team. We are well aware that
health education is essentially team work.
Talks given by | No. of Talks | Audiences | Total Nos. reached |
---|---|---|---|
Medical Officers | 8 | School children | 30 |
7 | College Students | 75 | |
3 | Teachers | 72 | |
Nursing Staff | 80 | School children | 660 |
Dental Officers | 52 | School children | 474 |
Public Health Inspectors | 2 | School children | 66 |
Health Education Officers | 14 | School children | 316 |
23 | College Students | 185 | |
5 | Teachers | 124 | |
4 | Parent/Teachers Associations | 200 |
INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT
School medical officers make tests of intelligence on certain pupils referred to them during the
year for various medical and mental conditions. Frequently these children show lack of educational
progress in an ordinary school and may need education in a special class or school where their
abilities and aptitudes can be more fully developed. Special training must be given before these
intelligence tests can be administered by medical officers. Two medical officers in department
completed their training last year and two more need a further probationary period to complete their
training.
119 intelligence assessments were made in the school health service in 1972.
153