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problems and together to create a pattern of living which is acceptable
to them during these domestic years.
Care of the Elderly and Handicapped
The special geriatric health visitor continues to act as a liaison
between the Geriatric Unit at St.Helier, Sutton General and Wandle Valley
Hospitals and the work of the health visitors in the field.
Special emphasis is placed on prevention of breakdown of families
who care for the elderly and handicapped. Every effort is made to give
support to caring relatives and special observation is made of the health
of an unmarried daughter, son or spouse who may be themselves past
middle age and on whom the responsibility of handicapped relative may lie heavily
Advisory Clinics for the Elderly
This service was commenced at Rochester Road; in the autumn and together
with those held at Rochester Road, Green Wry the Lane and Priory Crescent,
has gone from strength to strength. Altogether 137 elderly persons were
seen at least once and a health assessment made by the health visitors. Talks
on a variety of subjects from qualified people such as the Fire Prevention
Officer, an expert from Elizabeth Arden, Constance Spry, the Electricity
Board's Cooking Department, the Ministry of Social Security and special music
and movement exercises have encouraged regular attendances. A club
atmosphere has grown up, making weekly sessions a real event in their lives,
with not only companionship but positive preventive medicine and
stimulating continued intellectual interest.
School Health
School Nurses continue to assist health visitors with the care of the
school child and the work is carried out in schools, clinics and in the
homes.

Chest Clinic
Two health visitors continue to work at the chest clinic at St.Helier
Hospital and they find the work expands increasingly to include nontuberculosis
chest conditions. Patients with chronic bronchitis and
their families are in constant need of support and supervision. Terminal
cases of malignant disease of the chest call for the skill and tact of
trained health visitors to ease the heavy burdens of grief and despair
and the social problems that the death of a wage earner or a mother will
bring.
The follow up of infectious cases and the prevention of the spread
of tuberculosis continues to be of great importance. This involves teaching
those in close contact with sources of infection the need for good and healthy
daily living, regular screening procedures, hygienic precautions and regular
medical attention.
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