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9. HOME NURSING
This service is provided under Section 25 of the National Health Service Act, 1946,
for sick and aged persons living in their own homes. The Council's Home Nursing staff
consists of 47 nurses, including 3 male nurses.
Patients are referred to the department either from hospitals (70%) or general
practitioners (30%). The type of work ranges through short-term care of acutely ill
patients, post-operative dressings and injections, the regular care of the aged and
chronic sick, and finally to terminal care.
The Home Nursing Service works in collaboration with two voluntary organizations.
Firstly, the Council acts as the local agent for the Marie Curie Foundation, which
provides without charge, day and night assistance to patients with terminal cancer.
I am authorized to engage nurses for this work on behalf of the Foundation. This is a
most valuable service, and during the year 17 patients were nursed in this way.
Secondly, the British Red Cross Society act as the council's agent under Section 28
of the National Health Service Act, for the loan of nursing equipment. A small charge
is made to the patient to cover replacement of equipment as required, but if this is
unable to be met, the charge is paid by the Council. The Health Department arranges for
the transport of heavy equipment. There were 3,135 articles loaned to patients during
the year.
The night nursing service still proves to be of great use by extending the hours of
the home nursing service. Terminal patients can now receive additional care late at
night or in the early morning and elderly, invalid people can be got ready to go to day
centres or hospitals without haste in the mornings and can be put back to bed at a more
normal hour in the evenings.
During the year the establishment was increased by the addition of three nursing
auxiliaries as bathing attendants. In-service training was given.
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