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Following the granting of urban aid to the authority, to enable development of certain
services, planning commenced in 1969 for the building of two new day nurseries. Negotiations
are in progress for a further four nurseries. In the plans of the first two nurseries accommodation
has been designed for a handicapped baby unit, and in the light of experience, other
similar projects may evolve. Statistics are given in Table M on page 54.
Child Minders
By 1970 there was a total of 105 Registered Child Minders. Health visitors continued
their work in inspection and supervision throughout this period in an effort to maintain a
satisfactory standard and to check on any changes in staffing and attendance.
(See Table M on page 54.
District Nursing Service
General practitioner attachment of district nurses was extended in July 1967 to include
all practices in the borough. This arrangement has been facilitated by the grouping of doctors
and by improved general practice premises. More nurses are now working in doctor's surgeries
and there are plans to develop this further. Patients, nurses and doctors have all commented
on the improved service which has resulted from this integration of the district nursing and
general practitioner services.
Skilled nursing time has been better used by employing nursing attendants under the
supervision of State Registered Nurses for some of the less skilled tasks and by the use of
pre-packed, sterilized, disposable equipment and dressings.
Liaison with hospitals has been improved. There has been an extension of the arrangements
previously made for secondment to psychiatric hospitals of district nurses to include secondment
to medical rehabilitation centres. Nurses have also been seconded part-time to local general
hospitals.
The School of Community Nursing was opened in September 1966. Regular training courses
in District Nursing for State Registered Nurses and State Enrolled Nurses have been provided.
A complete report of the work of this school is given under a separate heading. Many staff
have been involved in practical training of students from the nursing school. Nurses have also
been responsible for demonstrating domicilliary care to nurses from hospitals and to other
groups of workers.
Recruitment of district nurses has been fairly satisfactory. The District Nursing Service
is one of the main areas of growth in the Health Services at the present time and further staff
will be required in the future to undertake the increasing home care of patients.
Midwifery Service
There were about 5,000 deliveries each year in the borough between 1965 and 1970. The
number of home deliveries during this period decreased to about 400 per year and the number of
early discharges from hospital increased to about 600 per year.
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