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16
Training and Refresher Courses
Four nurses attended District Nurse Training Courses for State Enrolled Nurses and obtained the
National Certificate of the Department of Health and Social Security, two attended a District Nurse Training
Course for State Registered Nurses, and two attended Practical Work Instructors Courses, all of which were
held at Chiswick Polytechnic. Four nurses also attended day courses as appropriate.
Disposable Equipment
The range of pre-sterilised and disposable equipment has been extended, thus facilitating the nurses'
work and giving greater safety to patients.
Marie Curie Memorial Foundation
During the year, night nurses were provided for 23 terminal cases of carcinoma. Eight ripple beds
were also provided by a medical equipment firm paid for by the Foundation thus ensuring that maximum
care was obtained for these patients who chose to be nursed at home. The Council made a grant of £367 to
the Foundation.
INCONTINENCE SERVICE
Incontinence pads are provided free of charge to all incontinent patients who need them. They are
either delivered to their homes or may be collected from certain Clinics or Health Centres. Requests are
received from general practitioners, hospitals, home nurses, etc. 117,450 pads were issued in 1971.
There is also a service for the collection of soiled pads and dressings for patients who have difficulty
in disposal, and these are incinerated at the Greater London Council refuse disposal plant at Alperton.
There is also an incontinent laundry service for the aged operating in the Borough which is
administered by the Council. The articles are laundered at Neasden Hospital by arrangement with the
Central Middlesex Group Hospital Management Committee, and at Colindale Hospital under a similar
arrangement with the Hendon Group Hospital Management Committee. Transport is provided by the Borough
Council.
Patients are referred by hospitals, doctors, home nurses and relatives. The service enables patients,
who might otherwise have to be admitted to hospital, to be nursed at home and more beds are thus available
for urgent cases. It is greatly appreciated by the patients and their relatives. The service frequently operates
in conjunction with the issue of incontinence pads. Just over 8 tons 12 cwts. of laundry was laundered by
the hospitals in 1971

VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION
Vaccination and immunisation of children against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis
and measles was undertaken by Medical Officers at the Council's Clinics and by General Practitioners as set
out in the following programme:—
During first year of life Diphtheria /tetanus /whooping cough and oral
poliomyelitis vaccine (first dose)
Diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough and oral
poliomyelitis vaccine (second dose)
Diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough and oral
poliomyelitis vaccine (third dose)
During second year of life Measles vaccination
At five years of age or school entry * Diphtheria/tetanus or oral poliomyelitis vaccine or
*Diphtheria/tetanus/poliomyelitis vaccine
*re-inforcing immunisation
Under the above programme the numbers of children receiving immunisation and vaccination were
as follows:—
Diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough Primary immunisation 5,091 (4,809)
Re-inforcing 3,360 (3,552)
Poliomyelitis Primary immunisation 5,082 (4,879)
Re-inforcing 3,230 (3,309)
Measles Primary vaccination 2,804 (3,146)
(Figures for 1970 in brackets)
In addition 902 girls in their fourteenth year (i.e. aged 13) were vaccinated against Rubella (German
Measles).
Circular 12/71 issued by the Department of Health and Social Security stated that the Secretary of
State had accepted the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that vaccination against
smallpox need no longer be recommended as a routine procedure in early childhood. Vaccination continues
to be recommended for travellers to and from countries where smallpox is endemic or where eradication
programmes are in progress, and for health service staff who may come into contact with patients. Vaccination
continues to be offered to children of parents who desire it but has been deleted from the current schedule
of vaccination and immunisation procedures.