London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Wandsworth 1965
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]
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65
OTHER PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES
There are also numerous personal health services provided which
benefit persons other than mothers and young children with which
I have dealt in the previous chapter and these are summarised
below.
Home Nursing Service
On the 1st April, 1965, the Corporation assumed responsibility
for the Home Nursing Service, which had previously been carried
out by the South London District Nursing Association and the
Ranyard Nurses. These organisations, with slightly differing
traditions, had provided a high standard of home nursing in the
area for many years. During the past year various changes have
been made in the organization in order to provide a uniform
method of working, and to reduce the time spent in travelling. The
two Superintendents have given us the benefit of their experience
and whilst there must be some understandable regrets at the
passing of the voluntary organizations they have willingly cooperated
in the building up of an integrated service. This process
of integration brought a number of changes to the nursing staff
and it is due to their loyal co-operation that the work has continued
so smoothlv.
A total of 4,103 persons were nursed during the year and the following table shows their age groups and the number of visits made:—
| Age | First visits | Revisits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 253 | 1,152 | 1,405 |
| 5 to 64 years | 1,443 | 32,163 | 33,606 |
| 65 years and over | 2,407 | 97,042 | 99,449 |
| All ages | 4,103 | 130,357 | 134,460 |
Home Bathing Service
Home bathing assistants were employed by both the former
Battersea and Wandsworth Borough Councils. This service has
now been closely linked with the Home Nursing Service so as to
make the best possible use of both trained and untrained staff.
The service is greatly appreciated by many elderly people and
provides help for those not requiring full nursing care.
Incontinence Pads Service
Home nursing of incontinent persons is made much easier by
means of this service and a growing number of patients are being
supplied with incontinence pads. Various types are available and
are supplied according to need. Most households make their own
arrangements for disposal but in some cases it is necessary to
arrange for collection and disposal by incineration.
A laundry service for incontinent persons is also provided where
necessary and this is referred to on page 52.