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So as to organise health education amongst the health visitors, at their initiative
a Committee was formed. S.M. 0., S.N.0. and S.H.V. were also members of this Committee,
and it began to consider the preparation of leaflets, which were suitable to the residents
of West Ham. By experience it had been found that so often leaflets prepared by national
bodies were not suitable to the needs of local inhabitants. A small leaflet on "Thread
Worms' had already been prepared and produced by the health visitors of the Borough.
To help increase the effectiveness of demonstrations in the clinics, pegboards for
each clinic were purchased.
1958.
The health visitors completed the preparation of their leaflet "Happy Weaning" and
this was printed by the C.C.H.E. The Health Visitors Health Education Committee now
started to prepare a leaflet for the ante-natal period. This Committee also began to
organise demonstrations throughout all clinics i.e., clinic staff chose appropriate topics
which were to last around six weeks at a time. Plans were then made to help them with the
demonstration material for these topics.
In connection with the national effort on "Guard that Fire" campaign the health
visitors organised an exhibition entitled "The Lady's Not for Burning" which was held in
Barclay Hall. This exhibition was not for the public, but for all those interested in
family welfare.
Talks commenced to be given by health visitors to groups of new tenants for Council
property. Eight meetings were held during 1958. The topic for the health visitor was
"Home Safety in your new Home".
There was a campaign also organised to encourage acceptance of Polio Vaccination.
SUMMARY
Throughout the years there has been considerable progress in the development of
teaching skills and techniques, and the provision of visual aids and demonstration material.
It has become realised that talks during clinic sessions were not practicable, and
that it was better to arrange special group meetings or to give talks to ready made audiences
outside the clinics. Small demonstrations at clinics, frequently changed, have proved
valuable. There must always be special emphasis on individual health teaching in the home,
school and clinic.
All those involved need constant encouragement, and to be provided with up-to-date
demonstration material.
The health visitor has become increasingly skilful at health education, especially
since her training has been better organised.
It must always be realised that health education is time consuming so that a good
staffing position is essential.
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