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Links have been made with the Middlesex Hospital where a liaison scheme to provide continuity of
care for Westminster patients was planned to start in 1973. It is envisaged that the two community
nursing officers from the area will visit the hospital wards on Wednesday afternoons when follow-up care
of Westminster patients due for discharge will be discussed. Health visitors and district nurses participated
in 2 Sisters Study Days when both hospital and community staff were briefed: all staff will have an
opportunity to participate in the scheme. The work of the health visitor attached to the Geriatric Unit
has increased considerably and informal links between health visitors and the Maternity and Paediatric
Units continued.
Two health visitors are already attached to general practitioner group practices in the area and
discussions are taking place as to the possibilities of attaching further staff next year when these practices,
together with one other, take up residence in temporary accommodation on the Lisson Green Development
in preparation for a final move to the planned Health Centre close by.
The work in all clinics including the chest clinic continues as before with increases in family planning
and chiropody sessions. Somerset House have expressed interest in cytology and it is planned to start
regular sessions there in the Spring of 1973. In common with other areas there was considerable stress
from lack of supportive staff at the beginning of the year; however the later months presented a more
stable picture.
District Nursing Services
By the end of the year this, too, was more stable having suffered earlier from considerable movement of
staff.
The number of patients and visits increased and it is anticipated that there will be a continual rise in
view of the Hospital Liaison Scheme which has been warmly welcomed by the Middlesex Hospital consultants
planning earlier discharges for their patients. Accordingly we have recruited one extra S.R.N, and a
bathing attendant.
Since the group has moved to the Council House it has been easier to establish and foster good working
relationships with other health department staff in the area and with Social Services, the Old Peoples'
Welfare Association and other agencies closely linked with district nursing.
The office accommodation at the Council House was moved from the basement to the second floor and
it is planned to start a morning clinic in the vacated room in 1973 for injections and dressings. This is for
the convenience of patients going to work or those sufficiently ambulant to benefit from the journey to the
clinic.
AREA 3
Area Nursing Officer: Mrs. E.M. Fisher with special responsibilities for midwifery.
Area 3 covers the south of the City embracing the 'Old' Westminster area including Knightsbridge,
Pimlico and Millbank. There are three Child Health clinics, at Ebury Bridge, Bessborough Street and Marsham
Street, the latter being run on an agency basis by the City of Westminster Health Society.
Two senior health visitors were appointed to Nursing Officer posts — one remaining in Area 3 and the
other moving to Area 4.
Two health visitors resigned, and three newly qualified health visitors were appointed and one experienced
health visitor transferred from area 4. Two clinic nurses resigned and were replaced and a third
clinic nurse was appointed to help with schools and extra clinics started and act as relief for annual leave
and sickness.
Seven Child Health Clinic sessions are held per week between the three Clinics. The number of mothers
and children attending remain much the same as last year. Children attend for regular developmental checks
and immunisations are also given at these sessions. Health visitors are available at all sessions to give mothers
any advice needed.