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used by the nurses in Wood Green is inadequate, since it is shared
by two clerks and is not provided with a running water supply. We
have made representations for the use of an extra room in this
building. The result of this application is not yet known.
Our administrative arrangements for the supply of a Home
Nurse following the request of a general practitioner appear to be
working satisfactorily. There is no evidence that the service is
being abused or that unnecessary visits are being requested. This
matter is kept under close review, and I would have no hesitation
in making representations to the Committee if I thought that
alterations should be made.
With regard to transport, five nurses are provided with County
cars, and one with a County auto-cycle. Eleven nurses receive an
allowance for using their bicycles; the remainder use public transport.
Recent experience has shown that the services of a Male Home
Nurse would be advantageous. We are therefore taking steps to
make such an appointment.
10. HOME HELP SERVICE
The equivalent number of whole-time Home Helps at the
end of 1953 was 63½, the actual number being 86. During the
year 671 cases were provided with help, as follows:
Maternity 121
Tuberculosis 33
Chronic sick (including aged and
infirm) 214
Others 303
There is an Organiser of Home Helps and an Assistant
Organiser. The Organiser is provided with transport on one day
each week, with occasional extra transport to assist in urgent
visiting.
The County Council regulations as to priorities are strictly
observed in operating the Home Help Service. This is one of the
most difficult services to organise and run, since the number of
Home Helps available is seldom, if ever, able to meet requirements.
It will also be appreciated that our Home Helps come and go with
disturbing frequency, being drawn from that section of the community
which is not particularly interested in long-term employment.
This will be seen from the fact that the number of
resignations from the Home Help Service during 1953 was 27. Yet
another difficulty lies in the fact that most of our Home Helps are
married and have their own children, all of whom are liable to the
illnesses associated with childhood. When this happens, the Home
Help Organiser is liable to find herself without a number of Home
Helps, at a time when these are most required. Continuous steps
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