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57
Observation Visits
In addition to the above programme, twelve pupil nurses from Westminster Hospital each spent
two weeks observing the work of district nurses and ninety-one student nurses from various hospitals
in the area, plus nine nursing degree students and twelve diploma of nursing students from the
Middlesex Hospital, all attended for short periods of observation. Responsibility for arranging and
implementing so many visits adds to the work of the Council's registered nurses and any future
programme for hospital students to have longer periods of community experience as envisaged in
the G.N.C. Syllabus 1969 will require careful planning and supervision if the present high standard
of service is to be maintained.
Other visitors during the year included a research assistant from the Queen's Institute of District
Nursing, two Physiotherapists, an Occupational Therapist, two Ward Sisters, a hospital administration
student and a public health nursing administration student.
Courses
Several members of the nursing staff were able to attend study days of specific interest; one nurse
attended a refresher course and another completed a practical work instructor's course.
Paediatric Home Care Unit
The Home Care Unit nurse left in the Autumn to train as a health visitor and a new appointment
was made for the new year. The nurse works with a Paediatrician from St. Mary's Hospital, visiting
sick children at home to advise and help with their medical and nursing care.
Buckingham Palace Mews
A district nurse is resident in the Mews and provides nursing care for members of the staff. The
cost is reimbursed to the Council.
District Nursing Association
This Association is active in providing amenities for patients and staff and administers various
charities which benefit the sick and elderly in the area. This help is much appreciated.
Domiciliary Midwifery
The City Council provides a domiciliary midwifery service to meet the needs of mothers who wish
to be confined at home, and for those who are confined in hospital for medical reasons but whose
social conditions permit planned early discharge.
District nurse-midwives cover the needs of this service in the majority of Westminster with the
exception of the S.W.1 area where Westminster Hospital continues to provide a domiciliary service
on an agency basis. There are no longer sufficient home confinements to provide experience for the
training of pupil midwives.
Nurses from the Middlesex Hospital spend a day with a domiciliary midwife as part of their
obstetric training.
LOAN OF HOME NURSING EQUIPMENT
The scheme for the free loan of items of nursing and sick room equipment continues to be a vital
service to residents in the City who are being nursed at home. Requests for this service are received
from general practitioners, medical staff and medical social workers of hospitals, district nurses and
social workers of the Health Department. In addition, many calls are made on the service by the City
Council's Welfare Department for help to the physically handicapped.
Not only does the provision of this equipment help to make life more bearable for the sick and
handicapped but often proves invaluable in easing the burdens placed on relatives who look after
the patients. Further, the issue of these articles enables some patients to be discharged from hospital
who would otherwise have to remain there for much longer periods.
Thick plastic sheeting has proved a great boon in the nursing of incontinent patients. The demand
is ever-increasing and continues to help reduce the calls on the Incontinent Laundry Service.