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56
prehensive account of Home Safety activities is given in the Report of
the Home Safety Committee.
Doctors, Health Visitors, Chiropodists, Public Health Inspectors
and the Dental Auxiliaries have all participated in health
teaching in many spheres of activity. Their valuable work has been
commented on and appreciated by Schools and many outside
organisations. Programmes carried out by the Health Visitors have
become an integral part of many schools time tables, and as such
they are valued members of the visiting teaching staffs.
Dr. Toms has been consulted a number of times on medical
matters, and has organised seminars for staff, dealing with specific
problems.
Conclusion - The Health Education Officers have dealt with many
enquiries during the year - advice on the content of courses and
demonstrations of techniques of presentation. An increasing number of
students of all disciplines have asked for information and ideas for their
projects and dissertations.
The recent National Publicity given to the need for 'in service'
staff training and education of the public has led to an increase in staff
interest, and requests for assistance.
The Health Education Officer's role as a "catalyst" and as a
"buffer" absorbing and containing problems is an important one especially
in the present difficult time of change.
And The Future .... ?
No report would be complete without mention of future plans - what
lies ahead is all important. The increase in illegitimacy - (amongst
teenagers of 11-19 years in 1966 the number was over 20,000 in England
and Wales), means that this will be one priority for action. Similarly,
the increase in Venereal Disease is a problem which will need to be
given attention. Ways of attracting sections of the public to avail themselves
of Health Services — for instance to encourage young women to
attend our cervical cytology clinics, need to be expanded.
Parents today have a difficult task in bringing up their children and
will look to us for support in helping to solve some of their problems
Information on the recognition of drug taking amongst young people is on
example of help of very real value.