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Self-discharges rose to 116 compared with 79 in 1968.
The number of visits, i.e. ante natal, labour calls and post natal visits during the year was 17,787.
All midwives were instructed in the technique of taking blood from babies on the 7th day of life
for the Guthrie test for the early detection of Phenylketonuria. The scheme started for all domiciliary
deliveries and hospital re-tests on 8th December 1969.
Student midwives training
59 students were in training during the year, 14 from the Alexander Maternity Home, 17 from the
North Middlesex Hospital, and 28 from the Whittington Hospital. 47 students completed their
training and 12 are stiII in training.
Obstetric nurse training
There were 39 students from the City of London Hospital and 31 students from the Whittington
Hospital given an insight into the work of the district midwife.
HOME NURSING SERVICES
The work load for district nursing continued to increase with a remarkable jump in the number of
patients over 65 years of age.
Pilot schemes for district nurse attachment to general practitioners were started in varying situations
with a view to complete attachment at a later date, e.g. one nurse was completely attached to a
group practice, attending a surgery for one hour twice a week; one nurse attached to a two-doctor
practice, calling at the surgery each day at a stated time; one nurse attached to a single-doctor
practice plus a geographical area, and attending his surgery for one hour twice a week.
Four district nurses obtained the National Certificate for district nurses. Two attended the course
at Chiswick Polytechnic and two at the North Western Polytechnic. These are day release courses
over a period of 13 weeks with a two week block at the beginning.
The Marie Curie Memorial Foundation gave day and night full time nursing aid for 12 patients
suffering from terminal carcinoma and one person requiring financial aid toward special nutrition.
During the year, the Prince of Wales's Hospital sent 25 student nurses for instruction on community
nursing, which took the practical form of visiting with a district nurse, and the Middlesex Hospital
sent 20 student nurses for similar instruction.