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Health Education
Classes in schools were continued as last year and several films were shown.
Afternoon and evening talks have been given to young wives' groups and to the
Riverside Club, Lamb's Institute, Edmonton, which is run by the Children's
Department.
Ancillary Help
Clinic nurses continued to be employed to replace health visitors during school
inspections, for clinic duties, and to assist at infant welfare sessions where voluntary
workers also continue to give valuable service. To reduce the time spent by health
visitors on clerical work, clerical staff are employed at clinics.
(See Statistical Tables 10 and 15)
HOME NURSING
Under Section 25 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, it is the duty of
every local health authority to make provision in their area for securing the
attendance of nurses on persons who require nursing in their own homes.
The number of patients attended was 2,906 and of these 1,904 were 65 years
of age or over and 23 under five years of age. The total number of visits made
was 104,484.
Disposable Equipment
The extended use of disposable equipment in the home nursing service maintained
the improvement in efficiency and safety. All nurses use disposable syringes
and enemata. There continues to be widespread use of disposable incontinence
pads, which are a valuable adjunct to the nursing facilities. Protective clothing in
the form of waterproof pants or knickers with disposable linings was provided for
14 ambulant patients during the year.
Marie Curie Memorial Foundation
The Marie Curie Memorial Foundation meets the cost of a service run by this
department which provides day and night nursing and sitter-in care for cancer
patients. The Foundation also provides for extra comforts, special needs, items of
diet and equipment to assist the nursing of these cases. During the year 26 patients
were provided with this service. At the end of the year there were three nurses
available under this scheme.
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