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Maternity Outfits
A maternity outfit is supplied free to each expectant mother arranging her confinement
at home under the National Health Service, as well as — if requested — to
those entering private nursing homes.
A smaller pack is supplied to patients discharged from hospital 48 hours after
delivery.
Maternity Liaison Committee
The Medical Officer of Health has been appointed a member of the Maternity
Services Liaison Committee Catchment Area IV, whose purpose is to discuss midwifery
problems of hospital, family doctors, and the local authority health department.
HOME NURSING SERVICE
Training
5 District Nurses received district training.
3 District Nurses attended Refresher Courses.
79 Hospital Student Nurses spent a day visiting patients in their homes observing
the work of the District Nurses.
Cases and Visits
Total number of cases nursed 2,502
Number of above over 65 years of age 1,668
Number of above under 5 years of age 16
Total number of visits 93,495
Loan of Nursing Equipment
The Middlesex Branch of the British Red Cross Society operate a loan of nursing
equipment scheme on behalf of the Council.
Under these arrangements a hire charge is collected from the patients by the
British Red Cross Society and retained by the Society to enable it to purchase replacement
equipment as required. If the patient is unable to meet the hire charge it is paid
by the Council. The Council also purchases any additional equipment required to meet
requests for loan of articles on the approved list. Other items of equipment are
purchased in special cases. All transport required, e.g. for the collection and delivery
of bulky articles, is provided by the Council. In general, the scheme is intended to
facilitate simple short term nursing care in the patient's home. There are medical loan
depots at King Street Parade, Twickenham, and Essex House, Barnes.
Laundry Service
Details of the laundry service and the provision of pads for incontinent patients
are given on page 69.
Marie Curie Memorial Foundation. Area Welfare Grant Scheme
The Council agreed to participate in this scheme, which provides for the urgent
needs of cancer patients, who are being nursed in their own homes. Such assistance
is given only "in kind" and covers the provision of nursing assistance in addition to such
necessities as linen and bedding, clothing, toilet necessities, special equipment, extra
nourishment, extra fuel and many miscellaneous needs which cannot otherwise be met
from either a statutory or another voluntary source. The scheme is operated on behalf
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