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40
It is noteworthy that while the number of patients and completed
treatments are less than in 1968, the numbers and proportions of
elderly patients have increased together with the average number of
visits per patient and the numbers of patients attended for at least
three months.
In addition to being a medical member of the London Boroughs
Training Committee Advisory Body of Chief Officers, I am Chairman of
the Committee's District Nurse Working Party. I am also a member of
the Department of Health and Social Security Panel of Assessors for
the training of District Nurses.
Little Sisters of the Assumption
A grant of £100 was made to the Little Sisters of the Assumption
in respect of the domiciliary nursing service provided by the Order.
Loan of home nursing equipment
Under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, the
Council provide on loan articles necessary for the efficient nursing
of patients in their own homes. Such equipment is normally lent only
in instances where the patient is under active medical treatment; the
equipment remains with the patient as long as the medical need exists
and no charge is made for this service.
A supplementary service is provided by the British Red Cross
Society. During the year, the Council gave this Society a grant of
£12$ towards this work.
The demand for all types of equipment has increased as
indicated by the 388 issues made by the Council, and 706 by the
British Red Cross Society, as compared with 257 and 720 respectively
during 1968. The demand for incontinence pads has remained steady,
219 patients having been served compared with 221 in 1968.
Adaptation of homes to install artificial kidney machines
One application was received during 1969 for works of adaptation
to the home of a patient accepted for chronic intermittent
haemodialysis to be performed in her own home.
The property in Notting Hill in which the works of adaptation were
required were partly occupied by the patient - a single woman aged
25 years - together with three other young friends. Together they lived
in a garden flat of which she was the lessee, occupied on a lease
expiring in 1972. The landlords were themselves lessees of the property
with limited power to make alterations to the premises and it was
necessary for the patient to complete a licence in respect of the works
and installation and including an Undertaking to reinstate the flat.
It was again found that the cost of works of adaptation exceeded
the amount anticipated by hospital authorities and in this instance was
plus certain fees and ultimate reinstatement costs.