View report page

COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE
This was an eventful year for the Community Nursing Service. The Mayston Management
Structure was implemented. Miss E.M. Clarke was appointed as Director of Nursing Services and
took up her appointment in April.
Miss Dobson was already in post when Miss P. Broadbent commenced duties as Area
Nursing Officer in September. Other appointments included five Nursing Officers, vizi-
Mrs. Clegg & Mrs. Ward with Special Responsibilities for Health Visitors
Miss Smith & Mr. Turpin with Special Responsibilities for District Nurses
Miss Teather with Special Responsibilities for Midwives
I am happy to report again this year that a full complement of District Nurses and Midwives
was maintained.
Eight of the ten Midwives are recognised "Teaching Midwives", undertaking, as well as their
midwifery duties, the added responsibility of instructing Pupil Midwives from Barking Hospital in
Community Midwifery Practice and Care. Altogether 13 pupil midwives received this training. The
Midwives have also participated in Mothercraft Instruction to ante-natal mothers. Three Midwives
attended Statutory Refresher Courses.
The high standard of nursing care was maintained by the District Nurses. Due to the
promotion of Mr. Turpin there remained only two male nurses working in the field. Although
recruitment for female nurses is good, we failed to recruit a suitable male nurse.
One District Nurse attended a Refresher Course.
Two District Nurses received District Nurse Training.
Health Visitors recruitment continues to present concern, not only locally, but nationally.
Nevertheless, the Health Visitors in post with heavy caseloads have, with support from Ancillary
Staff, maintained an excellent service, which is commendable.
The Health Visitors held regular Parent Craft Classes in eight of the local authority clinics.
Three of the Health Visitors are also Field Work Instructors, each participating in Student
Health Visitor Training, in conjunction with the North-East London Polytechnic.
Five Health Visitors attended refresher courses during the current year.
The two sponsored Health Visitor Students completed their training and were successful
in passing their examination.
All three branches of the nursing service personnel have, as well as carrying out their normal
duties, given instruction to other disciplines, such as Trained Nurses and Student Nurses from
neighbouring hospitals, Social Service Staff and their students, taking them on their days' rounds
as observers. This was a valuable service and was much appreciated.
All staff should be commended for their work during the year.
27.