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Two training courses were held for home helps during the year, and talks and discussions
covered the family service, the mental health service, home nursing and midwifery services, health
visiting, nursing, home nursing and geriatric services, health education, conditions of service,
time-sheets and general administrative problems. These were followed up by a practical demonstration
in cookery and household management.
In addition, in conjunction with the Central Council of Health Education, a programme of
lectures and discussions in health education were provided one day a month for four months. The
subjects were 'health education in school', 'progress in health education', 'production of health
education material' and 'information on cancer' (half-day). All members of the staff were given an
opportunity to attend.
During 1966, there was an in-service training scheme started to enable members of all
sections of the Department to learn something of the work of other colleagues. In a scheme with
such a wide scope considerable flexibility is needed and there must be goodwill on all sides.
However, the effort is proving very worthwhile and all who have taken part in the scheme to date
have greatly valued the contact they have had with members of other sections and the knowledge
gained of the working of the Department.
OTHER
Many members of all services of the department have been enabled to attend courses dealing
with their own aspects of the department's work, thereby acquiring new knowledge keeping up to
date in their speciality. Contact made with members of other Local Authorities at these courses is
particularly useful.
In addition, one mental health social worker returned to duty during the year having completed
a University Mental Health course and we were able to second a further mental health social
worker to a similar course.
STAFF OF OUTSIDE BODIES
Nearly 750 students attended lectures or visits arranged by the department to instruct
them in some aspects of the department's work. These were mainly student nurses from the teaching
hospitals within the Borough, but also included, amongst others, social work students and child
care officer students.
There has also been a continuing demand from the Universities and Teaching Colleges for
placements for practical work or observation for their students. Such students have spent up to
six months in the department and have been a stimulating influence.
NIGHT SERVICE
The arrangements made with the North London Group Hospital Management Committee to
provide a night and week-end telephone cover for Camden and adjacent Boroughs continued. Calls
averaged 111a month, most being for mental health social workers, domiciliary midwives and home
nurses.
That there have been no complaints of failure or difficulty in contacting duty officers outside
normal office hours shows the enthusiasm and efficiency of the hospital staff and particularly
of Miss Gregory and her colleagues of the Admissions and Doctors' Information Service; we are most
grateful to them all.
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