London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Haringey 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Haringey]
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Home Nursing Service
The demand for district nursing service shows a steady and continuing increase. It seems extremely unlikely
that the increase will be abated in the foreseeable future because of the trend for earlier discharge of patients
from hospital to the care of the general practitioner and district nurse. An increased establishment of nurses
will need to be seriously considered in the future.
The following table shows the work of the nurses:—
| 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of patients | 2,364 | 2,318 | 2,573 |
| Total number of visits | 104,286 | 109,375 | 116,565 |
| Number of visits over 1 hour duration | 1,781 | 2,317 | 2,739 |
Number of patients on 31 December 1972
| Under 5 | 5-64 | 65 & over | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 595 | 1,918 | 2,573 |
The following gives an indication of the type of treatment provided: —
| 1971 | 1972 | |
|---|---|---|
| Injections | 27,079 | 26,415 |
| Dressings | 25,445 | 24,907 |
| General nursing care | 21,812 | 23,836 |
| Blanket Baths | 13,989 | 16,064 |
| Enemeta/Bladder wash out | 127 | 1,232 |
| Scabies | 245 | 180 |
| Maternity complications | 26 | 46 |
Marie Curie Foundation
Full time day or night nursing for terminal cancer patients was provided during the year for 16 patients by this
foundation. A service very much appreciated by relatives of the patient.
Hoists
A new type of hoist which is lighter, easier to manipulate and more acceptable by patients and relatives has
proved to be very successful. Apart from assisting the nurse working alone and caring for incapacitated patients
they help to reduce the incidence of back strain to the nurses (an occupational hazard).
Other sophisticated aids and appliances are introduced whenever possible for the prevention of bed sores and the
comfort of bed-ridden patients.
Incontinence
During the past year there has been an increase to the supply of disposable incontinent sheets and pads for
incontinent patients of all ages. Requests are made by general practitioners, health visitors and social workers on
behalf of individuals who do not require a nursing service but the availability of these items are of great help
to the person concerned and the relatives.
Family Planning
During 1972 this service continued to be provided by the Family Planning Association, acting as the Council's
agents, the Council paying the fees for consultation and advice in all cases, and in addition the cost of contraceptive
supplies for cases in the socio-medical priority categories. From 1 April the free service was extended to cover
nursing mothers.
In spite of all these family planning facilities the percentage of illegitimate births continues to rise to a high
figure of 15% of all births.
Two additional weekly evening sessions were established — at Fortis Green Medical Centre in April and at Park
Lane Medical Centre in June. At the end of the year 14 weekly and 1 fortnightly sessions were being held in the
Borough.
The number of cases paid for during the year was — priority 1,505; non-priority 5,028.
The Council decided that as from 1 April 1973 family planning service will be completely free for all Haringey
residents.
The domiciliary scheme continued, 362 cases being dealt with during 1972. I am very grateful to Dr. E.
Christopher for the following report on the work of the domiciliary service from 1968 to 1973: —
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