London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Sutton 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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THE WORK OF THE HEALTH VISITORS AND SCHOOL NURSES
Health Visitors
The work of the health visitors has gradually changed during the past few years, more
emphasis now being placed on guidance for all members of a family instead of for the
pre-school child and the elderly.
The programme of the health visitor not only includes home visits but also consultations
in clinics, screening tests and group discussions with parents.
The following tables show the extent of their work
| 1. Clinic Sessions | 1972 | 1971 |
|---|---|---|
| Ante-Natal and Post Natal | 172 | 356 |
| Infant Welfare and Toddlers Developmental examination | 1588 | 1801 |
| Mothercraft and Parentcraft | 321 | 326 |
| Health Education: Schools, Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance, Youth and Adult Organisations | 506 | 248 |
| Hearing Tests | 138 | 195 |
It will be noted that there has been a considerable increase in Health Education undertaken
by health visitors particularly in Primary Schools.
2. Health Visitors Case Load for children aged 0 to 5 years
| 0 to 1 year | 1 to 5 years | families | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 1971 | 1972 | 1971 | 1972 | 1971 |
| 1554 | 2183 | 9279 | 9458 | 8581 | 8730 |
In addition health visitors had the following case loads:-
Ante Natal Mothers 941
Geriatric 912
School children 5 to 16 years 180
Adults 17 to 65 years 268
Mentally ill and Mentally handicapped 92
T.B. contacts 112
Child Minders, Play Groups and Nurseries 87
The Department of Health and Social Security recommendation for the ratio of health visitors to population is 1 to 3000; the ratio for Sutton is 1 to 6000.
| 3. Home Visits | 1972 |
| 0 to 5 years | 19868 |
| Geriatric cases | 1872 |
| Ante Natal visits | 941 |
| Mentally ill and Mentally handicapped | 397 |
| Visits to other groups | 2750 |
| TOTAL | 25828 |