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DISTRICT NURSING
Section 25—National Health Service 1946
The existence and availability of the Local Authority's Home Nursing Services are
known to the hospitals and the family doctors, and the services are called upon for
any purpose. Patients on discharge from hospital may be referred to their own
doctor from whom the nurses take instructions. No all night service is provided
but nurses are available if required urgently, and the Marie Curie Night Sisters are
available for cancer cases.
Staff Recruitment and Training
On 1st April, 1966, two small general district areas covered by the Nursing Sisters of
St. John the Divine were absorbed into the Borough Council Service without difficulty.
The total number of staff has remained steady throughout the year and no difficulties
over recruitment have arisen.
In order to obtain a high standard of efficiency all new entrants are expected to take
the examination for the National Certificate of District Nursing and admission to the
Queens Institute Roll. Nine nursing sisters took the Course in 1966 and all were
successful. In co-operation with the Departments of Occupational Therapy and
Physical Medicine at Lewisham Hospital, district nurses have each spent two days
there, learning the best and most up-to-date methods of handling patients who have
suffered from illnessess, involving loss of muscular function and co-ordination.
This experience has proved very valuable and so far 49 out of the total of 66 full and
part-time staff have attended.
Two non-resident Post Graduate Courses were arranged by the Queen's Institute
of District Nursing and 10 nurses attended.
The London Boroughs Training Committee held a study day for District Nurses in
May and again in November. Three members of staff were allocated places at each.
An Inservice course of lectures on aspects of mental health was arranged and five
district nurses attended. It is essential that all members of the staff have some
knowledge of this subject as mental ill health is increasing in the community.
Patient Care
Despite an increase in the number of patients attending for the first time (5,546 as
compared with 4,406 in 1965) there was a slight drop in those aged 65 years and over
(2,579 in 1966 and 2,787 in 1965). Even so elderly patients comprised nearly half of
the total number of new patients. The extension of auxiliaries to assist with bathings
has been appreciated. Only 155 children under 5 years required home nursing.
Equipment
Disposable incontinence pads are provided in all appropriate cases. Usually the
district nurse is in attendance. In the few cases where this is not so, the superintendent
requests the appropriate nurse to pay a visit to assess the need. No charge is
made for the pads. The incontinent laundry service is still in demand for many other
cases. Loan equipment has been increased and renewed and is in great demand.
Earlier Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
A scheme to make an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer was suggested by the Professor
of Surgery of a near-by teaching hospital. Two general practitioners in partnership
were interested and the health authority agreed to provide accommodation and
nursing staff. The surgeon agreed to come to the local authority clinic to see any
patients requiring a second opinion whenever necessary and to admit any woman
requiring treatment without delay.
The Local Executive Council provided the doctors with the most up-to-date list
of all women patients over 25 years of age.
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