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attachment was requested and supplied in the Raynes Park area in
1967. These attachments are of especial value to the Health Visitor
in getting to know her ante-natal patients better and earlier, and she
also hears of families who need help through her work with general
practitioners.
Health Education
A Health Education Officer was appointed to the Borough and
commenced her duties in September.
A very important part of the work of the Health Education Officer
is liaison with other sections within the Health Department and,
equally important, liaison with other departments, within the Local
Authority, and with outside organisations.
One of the first tasks of the Health Education Officer was to
promote the work of the Health Department at the ' Welcome to
Citizenship' Exhibition held at the end of November. The displays
on the stand attracted considerable attention and interest.
The Health Education section is concerned with stimulating
interest in topics directly and indirectly connected with the health
hazards of today, such as dental health, cancer, smoking, drugs, family
planning, home safety, personal relationships, sex education and venereal
diseases, and with the promotion of such subjects as mental wellbeing.
This, and many other subjects, are also dealt with by the
Health Visitors both in teaching in schools, clinics and when invited
to speak to outside organisations.
Both Mothercraft classes for ante-natal mothers and Parentcraft
classes for mothers and their children continue to be greatly appreciated
and well attended. In addition, evening classes for expectant
parents were commenced in October at Church Road Clinic.
MIDWIFERY
Staff
As at 31st December, 1967, the staff consisted of:—
1 Non-medical Supervisor of Midwives.
8 Whole-time District Midwives.
2 District Nurse/Midwives.
The day-to-day supervision of the Midwifery Service is carried
out by a Non-medical Supervisor of Midwives, who is also appointed
as Superintendent of the Home Nursing Service, although the services
operate separately.
Introductory
The number of home confinements continued the decline which
has been evident for the last few years. Early discharges from hospital,
which had been increasing, also showed a marked decrease in 1967.
Organisation
It has been found practicable to retain as three midwifery areas
the districts of Wimbledon, Merton and Morden, and Mitcham, and
to have one group of midwives working in each area. A rota system
is in operation which ensures sufficient sleep and rest for midwives
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