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The local arrangements for operating the Home Nursing
Service vary from district to district. In Potters Bar, the Urban
District Council has provided a Council house, from which one
full-time and one part-time nurse operate. In Southgate, ' Osidge '
is the administrative centre for the service, although not all the
home nurses are resident there. In Wood Green, a central office is
provided in a room in the branch Area Health Office. In Friern
Barnet, a small headquarters is housed in an ad hoc building in
Wetherill Road.
These arrangements are not entirely satisfactory. The room
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. 11 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 toe 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
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