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Problem Family Case Committee
The Committee commenced its work in May, Permanent members are the Senior Medical
Offioer, Superintendent Nursing Officer, Superintendent Health Visitor and three health
visitors. The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Home Help Organiser, Psychiatric Social
Worker, N.S.P.C.C. Inspector, officers of the Children's Department and representatives
of the Housing Department and also the N.S,P.C.C. Woman Case Worker have been invited, when
families in which they had an interest were under discussion. The district health visitor,
and frequently the school nurse, were present so that they could give an up-to-date picture
of the family situation, join in the discussion, and carry out the Committee's suggestions.
The Committee met as frequently as possible so that the needs of all families in the survey
could be assessed and plans made for constructive rehabilitation.
It was soon found necessary to keep under review the progress of certain of the families
who were suffering severe failure, so that by the end of the year a few families in the survey
still remained unassessed. It became apparent that this Committee was giving valuable help,
not only to the families under discussion, but also to the worker who was responsible for helping
the family. It was establishing itself as a recognised machinery for organising co-ordinated
family care. In this way multiple family visiting could be avoided and the best use made of
all resources.
The work of this Committee was complementary to that undertaken by the well established
Officers Co-ordinating Committee. Families were satisfactorily referred from one
Committee to the other, good liaison was maintained and results assessed. By this careful
team-work, the families benefited and all the workers concerned with the various households
were encouraged and stimulated in their united efforts.
Health Education
The health visitors maintained a high standard of health education throughout the
year. As described in previous reports the most effective place for their health teaching
is in the home. This personal and individual health education is supported by group
activities and visual demonstrations.
The health visitors use the clinio premises as a background for displays on items
of topical health interest. An effort is made to present an attractive and stimulating
display so that the interest of members of the public using clinic premises is aroused.
The topics are linked with prevailing health needs: as an example, during the summer
months it is necessary to teach the proper care of food; in the winter advice is givern
on home safety, especially in relation to prevention of burning accidents.
During the year a very successful leaflet called "Happy Weaning" was prepared by
the health visitors and printed by arrangement with the Central Council for Health
Education. In last year's report a description was given of the formation of a committee
of health visitors to advise on health education activities and the preparation of leaflets.
Following the success of "Happy Weaning" the committee started to prepare a series of leaflets
for use in the ante-natal period.
There are frequent national efforts to publicise various aspects of health education
and in November there was a special campaign on "Guard that Fire". In an effort at
preliminary propaganda in this campaign the health visitors of West Ham organised an
exhibition in September entitled "The Ladies not for Burning". This small exhibition
was arranged In Barclay Hall by the kind permission of the Local Education Authority.
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