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NURSES AGENCIES
At the end of 1972, there were two nurses agencies on the register of this Local
Authority.
LOAN OF NURSING EQUIPMENT
The Council owns some special nursing equipment including hoists, mechanically
and electrically operated beds, etc. and all such items were loaned, free of charge, to
patients who required nursing care.
The British Red Cross Society continued to operate a scheme on behalf of the Council
for the loan of standard items of nursing equipment. During 1971, the system by
which the Council paid the Society's nominal charges for patients in receipt of supplementary
benefit was discontinued and 1972 has shown conclusively that the direct grant
method is far more satisfactory.
I am indebted to Mrs. W. Burrington, Divisional Director of the Richmond upon
Thames Branch of the British Red Cross Society for her continued help and co-operation.
INCONTINENT LAUNDRY SERVICE
The Borough's free incontinent laundry service continued to operate during 1972
and the year was marked by a considerable increase in the number of patients receiving
the service. In December, 1971, about 100 patients were supplied but, by the end of
1972, approximately 200 residents were receiving the service following recommendations
from the District Nurses.
Linen sheets, which were laundered by a local firm, incontinence and polyweb pads,
waterproof pants with disposable linings and night attire were included as appropriate
and distribution and a >1 lection undertaken by one driver with a Corporation van.
TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE
The facilities provided by Telephone Answering Services Ltd. (Air Call) continued
to be used by the midwifery and night nursing services during 1972.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS
The assessment of medical fitness of new entrants to the Council's service continued
to make heavy demands.
A completed medical questionnaire and a satisfactory chest X-ray examination
undertaken within the last twelve months are required of each new entrant.
A full physical examination is carried out in any case of doubt, on all new entrants
to the teaching profession, all entrants to teacher training colleges and all drivers of heavy
goods and public service vehicles.
In addition, recommendations as to medical fitness to continue in the Council's
service were made following consultation with the family doctors and/or consultants
concerned, physical examinations, and personal interviews.

The figures for 1971 are given in brackets.
Further medical advice is given as requested by any member of the Council's staff.
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