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37
HOME NURSING SERVICE
During the year the number of visits has increased, due to
greater participation in surgery sessions both at the general practitioners'
surgeries, and in the health centres. 4,859 patients were
treated; this includes surgical dressings, ear syringes, administration
of injections, venepuncture and certain diagnostic tests within the
nurses' ability. The staff are finding this work interesting and
rewarding, but they are still aware that the care of the patient in
the home is of primary importance.
Visiting in Residential Homes
Certain sick residents in the Council's residential homes
are visited regularly by the District Nurses. This is a service given
when specialised nursing procedures are ordered by the general
practitioner, and the staff of the home require support and advice
from skilled nursing staff.
Rehabilitation of the Elderly and Handicapped
It is the objective of the community nurse to work closely
with the occupational therapy staff of the Social Services Department.
Throughout the year Miss Bennett, the organiser of Westbury Road
Occupational Therapy Centre, has arranged a programme whereby nursing
staff visited the Centre to meet the staff engaged in this sphere of
domiciliary care. All facilities available were seen, and discussions
on referrals were encouraged. This has resulted in very good working
relationships and the patients have benefitted, particularly the severely
handicapped who require a considerable variety of aids to make their
lives tolerable, and ease the strain on their relatives.
Joint consultations with the occupational therapy staff, and
the nurses are often held at the patient's home so that all aspects of
care can be explored, and the maximum help given.
Several patients were referred for Attendance Allowances
during the year.
Late Night Visiting and Night Nursing Service
The late night nursing service operating from 7.30 p.m.
11.30 p.m. continues. Part-time trained nurses are employed in this
service which enables the patient to have nursing care in addition to
the service provided by the day nurses. The nurses engaged on late
night visiting paid 1119 visits to 115 patients during the year. This