View report page

45
We look forward (to the future) with optimism knowing that
whatever changes may take place the District Nurses, with
humour and understanding can solve them.
The majority of our patients are over 65 years and this
is in keeping with the national trend. With co-operation with
the Mental Health and Welfare Officers the elderly patients
social difficulties are reduced.
Mental illness in the community is increasing and as
District Nurses we have to be aware of the recent developments
in Psychiatry. Four district nurses attended a one-day
course on mental illness in the elderly and it is hoped that
more nurses will attend similar courses in 1967.
One district nurse, together with three other members of
the Health and Welfare Department attended a one-day a week
course, for 8 weeks, in Psychiatry and Mental Health in the
community.
Chadwell Heath hospital continues to admit elderly persons
for 6 weeks stay in and out basis, thereby relieving the
relative for a short period.
SECTION 26
VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION
Vaccination and Immunisation Protection against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus
and poliomyelitis is given at most Infant Welfare Centres in
the Borough and by general practitioners.
Our schedule of immunisation in Redbridge is aimed at
giving primary protection against diphtheria, whooping cough,
tetanus and poliomyelitis by the age of 6 months. Booster
doses against all four diseases are given at 18 months, and a
further booster against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis
only is given before admission to school. It is pleasing to report
that last year the total number of completed courses of immunisation
against all four diseases increased by over 50% on last
year's total. This would appear to be a direct result of the
Department's new immunisation programme.
Vaccination against smallpox is carried out in the second
year of life.
Whilst protection rates against diphtheria, whooping
cough, tetanus and poliomyelitis remain commendably high in