Report / Department of Public Health, Tasmania.

  • Tasmania. Department of Public Health.
Date:
[1941]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report / Department of Public Health, Tasmania. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/24 (page 11)
    Bush Nursing. The extension of the Bush Nursing Scheme in accordance with applications received by the Department has not been possible owing to the acute shortage of nurses. As a matter of fact, much effort has been called for to maintain exist¬ ing services which, in some cases, mean so much to residents of districts remote from medical or other nursing aid. The supervisory nurse has kept in close contact with each centre, and by advice and assistance has made a valuable contribution to existing services. The Bush Nursing Association has continued to function in the interests of the scheme, likewise local centres. A summary of the work performed during the period under review is set out in Table J. Table J. Summary of Work Performed in Bush Nursing Centres during the Year ended 31st December, 1941. Visits to Nurse. Visits to Patients. Nursing Days. Maternity Cases. Ante-natal Visits. Child Welfare Visits. School Visits. Mileage. Fees Earned. Ward Beds. 12,932 7034 3762 189 1002 7434 152 34,014 £1630 19 10 32 Government Medical Scheme. This scheme functioned throughout the year in 16 municipal districts. Many other local authori¬ ties have expressed their desire to link up with the scheme, but it is impossible under present conditions to provide for any extension owing to the acute shortage of the necessary medical personnel. Apart from actual medical practice, many problems associated with preventive medi¬ cine continue to receive the attention of Govern¬ ment medical officers. Statistical information in respect of the ser¬ vices rendered during the year is summarised in Table K on page 10. School Medical Service. A full-time medical officer has been appointed to supplement the work already being carried out in conjunction with other duties by 16 Government medical officers in various locations throughout the State. In commenting upon this particular function in the City of Launceston, the Govern¬ ment Medical Officer reported in the following terms:— “ Reception of the inspections by parents and school staffs was cordial, and many par¬ ents were interviewed and advised on physi¬ cal, dietetic, and psychological matters affect¬ ing children. While admitting that generalisations are of little real value, it is reasonable to state the general conclusion that the health of those children seen at school seems good and that nutrition and personal cleanliness are of a high standard. A fair number of small and light weight children was seen, but this con¬ dition is not .always to be attributed to lack of suitable food, as well-nourished children may be found in the same home. It is believed that this fact is often overlooked by diet enthusiasts—the explanation may sometimes be in a different direction.” Four school nurses and 21 bush nurses also made a valuable contribution to the health of the school child. Despite difficulties which arose in securing adequate personnel for appointment as school dental inspectors, the activities of the various clinics have been well maintained. Table L contains particulars of the work per¬ formed under this heading. Table L. SUMMARY of Work Performed under the School Medical Service by Government Medical Officers, School Nurses, and School Dental Inspectors during the Year ended 31st December, 1941. Number of children examined by Gov¬ ernment medical officers, either alone or with the assistance of a school nurse 6,705 Number of such children notified as defective . 4,000 Number of children examined by school nurses. 13,835 Number of visits by school nurses to homes of children . 1,322 Number of treatments given to children at school dental clinics . 62,637 Staff. Lt.-Col. B. M. Carruthers, Director of Public Health, who is serving with the Australian Imperial Force, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire, which has proved a source of gratification to his fellow officers. During the course of the year Mr. John Riley retired after 28 years of devoted service as Chief Health Inspector and Chief Inspector of Food and Drugs. Inspector H. H. Parker, an officer of many years’ standing, was promoted to the vacant position. In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks for the support rendered me by officers during the year. I have, &c., E. J. TUDOR, Secretary for Public Health. The Hon. the Minister for Health.