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Home nurses carry out treatment such as the general care of the acute and chronic sick, blanket
baiths and injections for patients including children under five years of age and the aged and infirm. They
also help to train handicapped and disabled patients to get up and about again and they advise relatives on
the care of the aged in their families.
Home nurses make visits to their patients by arrangement with the family doctors. Some patients
are visited morning and evening, some once a day and others less frequently.
A "Pilot Scheme" in which a home nurse worked directly with a group of general practitioners in
Willesden was carried out during the year commencing on 1st February, 1962. The following report is on
11 months working of the Scheme.
It was agreed that the experiment should be carried out in a group practice of four doctors with
one home nurse to commence the scheme.
The first meeting to discuss the working of the scheme was held on 8th January, 1962. The general
practitioners said they would welcome such an experiment. The second meeting to discuss the progress of
the scheme was held in May, 1962. It was agreed to extend the trial period for a further three months.
One home nurse carried out the duties of the scheme for the first seven months, when they were taken
over by another.
Total number of cases attended by the nurses
during the 11 months
1st February to 31st December, 1962
Brought forward 16
New cases 94
Total: 110
Total number of visits made 2,898
The type of cases attended were in most respects similar to those on any other home nurses' district,
with a larger proportion of patients requiring general nursing care and supervision.
Travelling time: The average mileage for a month compared favourably with other home nurses'
mileage, who worked in groups of four and did relief duties within their group.
Transport: The first nurse used a "Moped Scooter", the other used a car and was, therefore, better
equipped for the scheme.
Advantages of the Scheme
(a) Closer working between the general practitioners and the home nurse brought about a better
understanding of each patient. The nurse met the doctors at their surgery to receive her instructions
and to discuss the work.
(b) The scheme was liked by the group of general practitioners. Any extension of the scheme would
be limited on account of the few practitioners who at present work group practices. However,
it has revealed that it is necessary to have a closer liaison between general practitioners and
home nurses.
(c) The group of general practitioners were keen for this scheme to continue and the home nurse was
willing to carrv on with this work and it accordingly remained in operation.