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THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL NURSES
Throughout 1971, the demands made on the services of health
visitors and school nurses have increased in carrying out their role of
preparatory screening of pupils and their work in helping to prevent
the spread of infectious and contagious diseases. This necessitates the
carrying out of many visits which require tact and skill on behalf of the
nursing staff, some of which frequently need to be carried out in the
evening when parents are at home.
In addition to this role, the health visitors and school nurses play
an important part in acting as a liaison between the school, the home,
the general practitioner and the Principal School Medical Officer.
During 1971, 154 visits to homes were paid (compared with 54
in 1970) either arising from school medical inspections or at the
request of the head teacher. Again, these visits are often paid in the
evening to ensure that parents are at home. The increase in the
number of visits shows the value of, and the need for, this liaison to
continue and expand.
The programme of vision screening has continued and grown
during 1971. 177 sessions have been held (compared with 102 in
1970) and, similarly, the prophylaxis programmes for B.C.G., diphtheria,
tetanus and rubella, and during 1971, 83 prophylaxis sessions
were held compared with 49 in 1970.
The demands for health education teaching in middle and high
schools by health visitors have continued to increase. In 1970, there
were 101 teaching sessions undertaken and the demand could not be
fully met. In 1971, there were 150 sessions and the requests received
still exceeded staff availability. These sessions require much time
devoted to them, not only in their giving, but in the preparation and
collection of teaching material and visual aids that will stimulate
and maintain the interest of this age group. The Health Education
Officer's contribution to the success of these sessions in their planning,
and in her advice to the health visiting staff, is enormous and
very much appreciated.
During 1971 there was some increase in head infestation amongst
the school children of the Borough, which necessitated considerably
more attention by health visitors.