Report of the Charing Cross Hospital : 1949.

  • Charing Cross Hospital.
Date:
1949
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Charing Cross Hospital : 1949. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    14/46 (page 8)
    NURSING STAFF The recruitment of nurses has continued satisfactorily, and iii addition to covering adequately the work of the parent Hospital, it has been possible to staff the extra beds opened at the Charing Cross Annexe at Mount Vernon Hospital. The Board has also been able to assist in the staffing of some wards at Mount Vernon Hospital, not under its control, in response to an urgent appeal by the North West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board. Another pleasing feature to record is that, in answer to an appeal for volunteers to be seconded for a period of three months for the nursing of tuberculosis patients at Harefield Sanatorium, no less than one hundred of our nurses responded. The nursing staffs of the three Hospitals are gradually being co-ordinated into one Group Training School, and we have welcomed nurses from Wembley Hospital to the Senior Training Block, and some Charing Cross nurses are working at Wembley Hospital. In this connection, steps are being taken to obtain accommodation for an additional and enlarged Nurses’ Preliminary Training School. The examination results have been excellent, and reflect great credit on the Matron and Sister Tutor. ALMONERS’ DEPARTMENT The introduction of the full social security programme altered the character of the work of the almoners in some ways. No longer is it necessary to assess payments by patients towards the cost of their treatment, and more time is therefore available for the real purpose for which the almoner functions, namely, the helping of the patients from a purely social aspect. It may be mentioned here that the lack of provision for old people and the chronic sick is a matter of acute concern. There is a growing number of patients who are no longer in need of general Hospital treatment, but cannot be discharged as the Hospital is under an obligation to provide accommodation for a certain number of the chronic sick. A scheme for diversional occupation has been started for long¬ term patients, and regular visits for instruction and encouragement are made by members of the British Red Cross Society, which are greatly appreciated by the patients concerned. EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION In concluding this Report, the Board wishes to express most grateful appreciation to all concerned for the loyal and enthusiastic manner in which they have carried out their duties at the Hospital since the Appointed Day. The strong sense of co-operation which has been manifest in overcoming the initial difficulties in the change over from the voluntary to the State Services, encourages the Board to look forward hopefully to the successful and happy administration of the Hospital under the National Health Service. On behalf of the Board of Governors, INMAN, Chairman.