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86
Health Visiting—Investigation.—An increasing amount of the
time of the health visiting staff has been given to "follow up" in
connection with investigations. These have included the Medical
Research Council's B.C.G. Trials, Prematurity, Virus Diseases
during Pregnancy, the Population Investigation of the Royal
College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Institute of Child
Health (University of London), and lastly, Breast Feeding.
Liaison with Hospital Services.—During the autumn of 1951,
the appropriate Committees agreed that the Health Visitors and
School Nurses should in turn attend the ward rounds of Dr. Hinden,
Paediatrician, Whipps Cross Hospital, who holds a fortnightly
session at the Town Hall Clinic. At the end of a trial period of
six months, it was apparent to all concerned that the arrangement
was well worth while. Information as to home conditions became
more fully and quickly available to the Paediatrician, and after the
child's discharge from hospital, the Health Visitor ensured that his
advice was followed in the home. For the Health Visitor, her
knowledge is kept up to date and she learns of new advances in
the treatment of children's diseases.
During 1952, the arrangement was extended to the medical
staff, who in turn accompany the Paediatrician on his ward rounds
and with benefits similar to those outlined above.
HOME NURSING
(Section 25)
Branch Nurses' Training Home.—The Branch Nurses' Training
Home at "Hillcrest," Handsworth Avenue, Highams Park, was
opened in May, and this has been a very great advantage in regard
to the Home Nursing/Midwifery services of this portion of the
Borough.
The premises comprise a double-fronted detached house with
garage and garden. There are four rooms on the ground floor,
including a treatment room, and four bedrooms and a boxroom
on the first floor. Three Home Nurse/Midwives are accommodated.
Queen's Training.—An inspection of the Carisbrooke Road
Home was carried out in October, 1951, by the Queen's Institute
of District Nursing, but the report was not received until 1952.
As a result of the comments made in the report, the Health Area
Sub-Committee instructed the Area Surveyor for Building Maintenance
to prepare a scheme for the improvement of the Home,
with a view to inclusion in the County Council's list of Capital
Projects, which has now been done. The estimated cost of improvement
will be £3,500.
In May, it was reported that three candidates who had taken
their Queen's training were successful.