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Nursery nurses, and other grades of staff, were also released for suitable courses at intervals
during 1966.
Staff meetings are held regularly for senior nursery staff, at which a useful exchange of knowledge
and information takes place.
Recruitment
Seven health visitor students were trained during the year, and the City Council is fortunate in
being able to attract excellent candidates. They commenced work in September, 1966, and are
proving good health visitors in the field.
Two day nursery Matrons were appointed in place of Matrons who retired after many years service.
Seven health visitor students were interviewed and appointed for sponsorship in 1967, again of
excellent quality. This should be mentioned and appreciated as there are shortages of such staff
in other areas. Unfortunately there is still a fair amount of change in the clinic nurse grade, but not
as much as before the appintment of clinic auxiliaries referred to earlier.
Day nursery staff cause most anxiety in recruitment, due no doubt to the long hours expected
and the fairly low salaries paid. Whilst this is a national scale it does adversely affect the staffing
of the day nurseries in Westminster, where staff almost always have to travel some distance to work,
or if they have accommodation in the City find the cost of living is high.
We continue to have many visitors to the City. In 1966, 665 students of all disciplines visited
the Health Department: social workers, student nurses, administrative officers, doctors, overseas
visitors of many nationalities. This is a very interesting exercise and involves all the staff from
senior nursing staff to workers in the field and in the day nurseries.
HOME NURSING AND MIDWIFERY SERVICES
Staff Establishment
Full time Nurses
Part „ ,,
Student ,,
State Enrolled Nurses
Bath attendants
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3
4
5
3
The National Health Service Act 1946, Section 25 states that a local health authority must make
provision for the nursing care of patients in their own homes by domiciliary nurses.
The City of Westminster provides two home nursing centres, one at 117, Sutherland Avenue, W.9.
covering the northern area, and the southern area covered from 36, Great Smith Street, S.W.1.
Residential accommodation, at No. 90 and 117, Sutherland Avenue, is available if required by
the nursing staff.
Home Nursing
Home nursing care is given at the request of general practitioners, hospitals, health visitors and
social workers, the necessary drugs, dressings and treatment being prescribed by the patient's own
medical adviser. Nursing personnel undertake their visits to patients between 8.30 a.m. and 9 p.m.,
the majority of visits being completed by 6 p.m.
Night nursing service is arranged according to the patient's particular needs. The Marie Curie
Foundation Fund contributes to the cost incurred in providing continuous nursing care throughout
the day and night.
All kinds of nursing treatment are given including rehabilitation of patients following severe or
disabling diseases.
The majority of patients are over 65 years and often require prolonged nursing care.
Evening Clinic
An evening clinic is held each day from 4.30 p.m.—7 p.m. Monday to Friday, at 117, Sutherland
Avenue for ambulant or working patients requiring treatment by injection or surgical dressing.
Paediatric Home Care Unit
St. Mary's Hospital operates a special scheme for the medical and nursing care of sick children in
their own homes. One full time nursing sister is attached to the Unit from the Sutherland Avenue
Centre.
Royal Household
A nursing sister is resident in Buckingham Palace Mews to provide nursing care for members
of the Royal Household, her relief being provided by nursing staff from the Great Smith Street
Centre. The cost to the Council is reimbursed.