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

Willesden 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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116
February 24th, 1937.
APPENDIX I.
MEMORANDUM ON NURSING STAFF.
Municipal Hospital.

Table: The following table gives the details regarding the 108 probationer nurses obtained during the six years 1931 to 1936:—

The following table gives the details regarding the 108 probationer nurses obtained during the six years 1931 to 1936:—

Year.No. who commenced duties.No. who have left.No. still in Hospital.No. who stayed 2 yrs. or more.No. who passed State Exam.No. who left during probationary period.No. who stayed between 2 mths. & 2 yrs.Percentage who passed State Exam.
19311212-94-344.4
19321818—1193481.8
19332121—1056550.0
193415132653683.3
193518108——37-
193624618——51—
Total10880283623202663.9

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It will be observed that out of 108 nurses joining the service of the Hospital, 20 left within their
probationary period of two months, and 26 up to the present date have failed to complete their two
years' training. Of 66 nurses commencing their training during 1931 to 1934 inclusive, only 36
stayed for 2 years or more and of these 23 have passed the State Examination.
Last winter, owing to the failure to obtain the requisite number of probationer nurses, private
nurses had to be employed as follows:—
Number of Private Nurses employed. Total number of weeks employed.
Total expense.
11 89 4/7 £184 17s. 0d.
At the present time, the establishment of 39 probationer nurses is short by 12 probationer nurses.
One ward, however, is closed. If it were opened it would require 4 probationer nurses to staff it,
so that the actual shortage of probationers is 8 for the present numbers in hospital.
The matter is one which requires careful consideration in order to ascertain what improvements
in the terms of service are necessary, so as to secure a sufficient number of suitable applicants.
The following points are submitted for consideration as likely to cause such an improvement
in nursing conditions that the requisite number of probationer nurses will be obtained and will
complete the prescribed period of training.
(1) Working Hours.

Table: The following table gives the particulars:—

The following table gives the particulars:—

L.C.C.M.C.C.Willesden Municipal Hospital.
Day.Night. All grades.
Nursing Staff all grades. Day and night.Nursing Staff all grades. Day and night.Sisters.Staff Nurses.Probationer Nurses.
No. of hours on duty:—544855585660½