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There was a steady increase in post graduate training during
the year. Three health visitors and two home nurses were
successful in completing their fieldwork practical work instructors
course, as were the twelve home nurses who undertook the district
nurses training. Seven health visitors were sponsored to attend a
visual aids/projectionist course at Wandsworth Technical College
on a half day release for twelve weeks basis and six were successful
in the examination. Refresher courses arranged by the Health
Visitors' Association and the Royal College of Midwives were
attended by four health visitors, one school nurse and three
midwives.
Forty-two student nurses from St.George's Hospital were each
placed with members of the community nursing service for six
weeks, and a further one hundred and sixty three students and
pupil nurses were given the opportunity to observe the work of
the community nursing service and to be involved in the delivery
of the personal health services to the community.
Finally, full advantage continued to be taken of the excellent
facilities provided by the London Boroughs Training Committee in
the form of courses, seminars, study days and discussion meetings
for staff working in the health and social services. Warm thanks
are due to the Director, Miss Margery Taylor, and her staff for
their invaluable and every-ready help and advice.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF STAFF
The medical examination of existing and prospective staff is
undertaken in the Health Department on behalf of all departments
of the Council. Before appointment, every prospective new
entrant to the service is requested to complete a medical
questionnaire for scrutiny by a medical officer and 1,107
questionnaires were scrutinised in the year. 194 prospective
entrants were subsequently called for a physical examination
either because of their age, the nature of the employment they
were taking, or because of their medical history. In addition to
its work in relation to new entrants to the service, the Health
Department carried out 36 special medical examinations of
existing staff at the request of the Council's Establishment
Officer, arising from extended sick leave or other medical
reasons, and 79 examinations related to employment with the
Council, including drivers of heavy goods vehicles.