A day in the life

Caring for Ashtead

Ashtead at Harvest talks to local health visitor Dee Halford.

Paula and Jamie with Dee.

From a baby's tiny bottom to an old man's septic toe, Dee Halford is concerned for the health of many in Ashtead. Dee is married with 3 sons and has been a health visitor for 18 years, 6 of those here in Ashtead. "I used to be a nurse in casualty and was concerned about what happened to people when they got home - that's why I became a health visitor."

Dee works with two other health visitors at Ashtead Clinic in Woodfield Lane. Employed by Epsom Health Care NHS Trust and working at St Stephen's surgery, her day certainly has variety. A visit to an 80 year old lady to assess her needs and then to a new mother with a 10 day old baby. "We have a 'look after yourself' group for the over 60s, with exercise, relaxation and talks on health topics," says Dee.

Children are a large part of Dee's job with about 250 families on her books at any one time. "My happiest moments, are when I see parents enjoying their children, especially when they have been through a difficult time. There is a baby clinic every Tuesday morning where parents can come for advice about their children's health."

Thomas Hanna and Freya in the clinic.

In contrast, Dee's saddest moments are bereavement visits. "Although it is sad to meet so many elderly people living alone, Ashtead's local support groups work hard to dispel loneliness."

When asked for a bit of health advice, Dee replied, "Watch your fats, we all eat too many calories and not enough fibre". So, at this Harvest time let us enjoy the abundance of fruit and vegetables from God's wonderful earth!

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