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(d) Research
Much of the field work for national research projects is
performed by health visitors who have direct contact with the
families in their homes or at the clinics. Four extensive surveys
were covered in the first few months of the life of the Borough
and the work continued through 1966.
(e) Care of Mothers and Young Children
The statutory function of health visitors is the care of
mothers and young babies and this is carried out by means of
home visits, consultations at clinics and group discussions with
parents until the child is five years of age.
During the period 1st January to 31st December 1966,
1243 (962) infant welfare sessions were held in clinics and
304 (324) other clinic sessions were devoted to the care of mothers
and young children apart from home visiting.
The care of ante-natal and post-natal mothers is undertaken
both at clinics and in homes. Special group meetings are arranged
and demonstrations, films and discussions take place to help
prospective parents to prepare and adjust to their new roles.
The health visitors attended at 581 (230) ante-natal and post-natal
clinics and held 38 (275) parentcraft meetings during January to
December 1966.
(f) Family Welfare
The prevention of illness and promotion of health involve the
health visitor in a special interest in the continued maintenance
of family life. Whether acute problems exist or where the inadequacy
is long term, support is necessary. Help from workers in other
specialised disciplines on a long or short term basis is available
to assist in this time-consuming and exhausting work but the health
visitor's knowledge of the families make it imperative that she
maintains the continuity of her friendship and support throughout.
(g) Care of the Elderly
Neighbours, old people's welfare committees, clergy and
other organisations draw attention to the elderly who are lonely,
ill or in need of skilled assessment. The health visitor is able
to call on the services necessary to maintain them in their own homes
for as long as possible and her close association with the general
practitioners and hospital is particularly valuable in this respect.
The geriatric health visitor attached to the Geriatric Unit
at St.Helier Hospital acts as a liaison officer between the Local
Health Authority services in the assessment of priority of need in
each case referred to the unit by general practitioners. Frequent
visits are paid to patients on the waiting list for beds and day to
day re-assessments are made. In conjunction with the general health
visitors she supervises patients in their own homes following
discharge from hospital after re-habilitation or temporary illness.
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