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discharged from hospital and their relatives. She also works in clinics (such as
ante-natal and child health clinics)where her advice may be sought. In addition to
her work with the individual, she may initiate group discussion in formal or informal
classes. Within the school health service the health visitor acts as the chief link
in health and social matters between the school and the home. She also has close
contact with the teaching staff and undertakes the health supervision of children of
all ages. The health visitor is mainly concerned with health education and social
advice to encourage and promote the attainment of complete health within the family
group.'
One of the first duties of the new Department was to consider Ministry of Health
circular 8/65 on the training of health visitors with a view to meeting demands forecast
for the next ten years. It was agreed to sponsor nine students for training. The
establishment of 39 health visitors was accordingly increased by 9 student health
visitors. Approved allowances were paid to health visitors acting as field work
instructors with the students, and the training of health visitors as field work
instructors continued. Good liaison was maintained with general practitioners, including
the attachment of a health visitor to a group practice.
Health Visiting First Quarter Last three
(L. C. C.) Quarters (L.B.I.)
Total Visits 14,333 46,242
Health Visitors at end of period 44.7 40.3
Home Nursing Service - Section 25, National Health Service Act 1946
The district nursing service (now re-titled home nursing service), was provided in
the Borough by the North London District Nursing Assocation, a voluntary organisation
grant-aided by the former London County Council. On the re-organisation of London
Government, agreement was reached between the Association and the new London Borough
of Islington, for the service to be transferred entirely to the Borough Council on 1st
April 1965, after which date the voluntary nursing association ceased to function.
Due to the efforts of all concerned the change was effected smoothly without inconvenience
to patients and nurses. It is fitting in this report to place on record the
Council's appreciation for the work so ably undertaken in Islington for those requiring
nursing services at home by the North London District Nursing Association, which was
formed in 1877, the second nursing association in London.
The former superintendent of the service resigned in September 1965 and was replaced
by her deputy who thus became the first male home nursing superintendent in
London. Close liaison continued with general practitioners and hospital staff and with
other field workers both voluntary and statutory. Over 60% of new cases were referred
by general practitioners and over 30% by hospitals. A total of 2,476 patients were
treated during the year and more than half of these were over 65 years of age when
first referred. The trend reflected from previous years was for the service to be
required by more patients needing rehabilitation and long-term care. An increasing
use was made of disposable equipment (syringes, forceps etc) and this contributed to
the saving of valuable nursing time. Additional services provided by the Borough and
by voluntary organisations continued to be used extensively for the benefit of both
parents and patients, including meals on wheels, loan of home nursing equipment,
incontinent laundry service etc.
The Marie Curie Memorial Foundation continued to provide invaluable help by means
of a financial grant used mainly to provide a night attendant to relieve relatives
nursing at home a case of terminal cancer. Gifts of clothing and bed linen were
received from the Richard Cloudesley Fund and the Queen Mary's London Needlework Guild.