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We have learnt to admire the older patients who come to the
clinic for many reasons. Perhaps the most impressive group are the
over-seventies, who have been adults in two major wars and have experienced
such enormous social changes. Some of them are still
working. I wonder if the community appreciates enough their strength
and adaptability?
The second clinic at Middleton Road is attended by Dr. W. B.
James who has the following observations to make: —
Although the figures given below represent a full year's operation
of this Clinic, the total number of new patients seen is only 57, and
the number of re-attendances is 30. Only two new cases are normally
seen at this clinic at each session, since the compilation of a medical
history by the nurse and the doctor in attendance is time consuming,
and a full scale medical examination is subsequently carried out.
In spite of the relatively small numbers seen, the thorough examination,
the results of which are forwarded to the patient's own general
practitioner, has been found to be well worth-while and, in most
cases, gives some re-assurance to the patients concerned. Any treatment
is, of course, a matter for the patient's own doctor, but after the
first attendance, where confidence has been established between the
doctor and the health visitor at the clinic, advice and guidance can
more readily be given to the patients on adjustment to the process of
growing older.
In subsequent years, the numbers of re-attendances may be expected
to increase.
Health Education
Good progress was maintained throughout the year in the ever
expanding field of health education. The number of requests for
help continues to increase from members of staff within the
Health Department, from other Departments, particularly the Education
Department, and from local hospitals and other outside organisations.
The type of help required varied tremendously from the
severely practical to the challenging abstract. All requests were met
with every assistance possible.
In Service Training
A seminar was held in July on 'The Techniques of Teaching
Health Education.' Members of the Health Education Council were
fully involved with the staff of the Health Education Section in organising
and conducting this course. Staff from the Education,
Children's and Welfare Departments, as well as from the Health
Department, attended and very considerable benefit was derived, not
least from the social contact with staff from other fields of work.
Help was given throughout the year at In-Service Training
Courses for Home Helps, visual aids being supplied, and informal talks
and discussions were held on subjects closely allied to the field of the
Home Help.
Assistance and co-operation was also given to the Audiology Staff
when running courses for health and teaching personnel, and for
parents of children with hearing defects.
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