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NURSING HOMES
All registered Nursing Homes within the Borough are supervised regularly by
medical and nursing officers of the department.
The number of Nursing Homes on the register at the end of 1970 was as follows:
Maternity Homes only Nil.
Other Homes 6
Total number of beds 124
NURSES AGENCY
At the end of 1970, there were two nurses agencies on the register of this Local
Authority.
LOAN OF NURSING EQUIPMENT
The British Red Cross Society continued to operate a scheme on behalf of the
Borough for the loan of standard items of nursing equipment. A small charge was
made for articles loaned, which was paid by the Council if the patient was in receipt
of supplementary benefit.
The Council owns some special equipment including hoists, mechanical and electrically
operated beds, etc. These items are loaned free of charge to patients requiring
nursing care.
The amount of equipment owned by the Council continues to grow year by year
and has in the past been stored in various centres throughout the Borough. Most
equipment purchased is very expensive and the question of adequate storage and main'
tenance has given some cause for concern. Active consideration has been given to the
setting up of a central store for nursing equipment and the vast quantities of incontinence
pads which are provided under the Incontinent Laundry Service (see below). The
establishment of a central store will also lead to greater efficiency in distribution and
maintenance.
Alternate Pressure Pads.
Alternate Pressure Pads known as "Ripple Beds" and "Ripple Pads" are hired by
the Council for the use of certain patients. These pads save a great deal of unnecessary
suffering by preventing and healing pressure sores.
INCONTINENT LAUNDRY SERVICE
A free incontinent laundry service is provided throughout the Borough. Sheets
are loaned to patients on the recommendations of the District Nursing Service and are
laundered regularly. Normally deliveries and collections are made twice weekly by
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