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that most needed by a particular family in relation to their immediate and future health
needs, and can present it to them in an acceptable form. This individual family health
education which is so important cannot be recorded in any detail, as it is built into the
daily pattern of the home visiting carried out by the health visitor.
As described in former reports there is a wide selection of visual material available
to help with group health education activities . This comprises film-strips, posters,
demonstration material and leaflets. Many leaflets prepared by national associations do
not adequately cover certain needs of the families in West Ham. This has been a matter of
concern to the health visitors, and they have plans to solve this problem by constructive
methods. During the latter months of 1957 a small committee of health visitors was formed
and the Superintendent Nursing Officer and the Superintendent Health Visitor were invited
to become members and participate in the committee's work. This committee advises on all
matters dealing with group health education activities. Its first duty was to prepare for
printing a leaflet which is so planned that helpful advice is attractively presented to the
mother, so that she has a guide during the weeks when she is weaning her baby from milk to
a mixed diet.
Health visitors on this committee are extremely enthusiastic and have shown that
they are willing to give freely of their thought and energy so that, in co-operation with
their colleagues, material can be prepared which is of high quality and chosen with an
understanding of the particular needs of the families in the borough.
Consultant Psychiatrist's Comments on In-Service Training Group
An in-service group for medical officers and health visitors was started in
February, 1957. Dr.T.Sutherland, Medical Director of the Tavistock Clinic, directed the
group for the first 4-5 months, assisted by Mrs.J.Stephens, Psychiatric Social Worker,
Tavistock Clinic, who has kindly continued her association up to date.
Dr. Elizabeth Whatley joined the group in March, 1957, and took over the direction
after Dr.Sutherland left. Mrs.Carroll, Psychiatric Social Worker to the Public Health
Service, has been associated with the group since it began. The group consists of 2
medical officers from the Maternity and Child Welfare and School Health Services, and
6 health visitor/school nurses, and meets for about l½ hours once a week. Since its inception,
39 meetings have been held up to the end of 1957, and approximately 20 cases have been
discussed. Many cases have been discussed a number of times, and progress and changes noted.
With one case, the probation officer was invited to the group discussion, and this contribution
proved most helpful.
Any one member may bring a case needing clarification before the group. Also,
general topics affecting the family as well as the sharing of experiences of similar cases
by group members, and discussion of different aspects of a. case, has proved a most useful
technique. A greater understanding of the underlying motivation of behaviour and an
increasing insight into domestic problems and tensions has emerged during the year, which
helps members in their day to day contacts with families. The members are beginning to
find that the discussion of their cases within the group increases their confidence when
dealing with their families.
It is of interest to note that the personnel of this group is drawn from workers
who are in contact with the Preventive Mental Health Scheme, the Maternity and Child Welfare
and School Health Services, and the Child Guidance Clinic. Thus the individual members of
the group in their day to day work are In touch will all the social and medical services in
the borough.
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