A Comprehensive Mental Nursing Service

nurse training, and staffing problems generally. In discussing nurse training developments the hope is expressed that training schools will make every effort to try out the experimental syllabuses which have been drawn up by the General Nursing Council. The standard training of mental deficiency nurses in particular, is noted as being completely divorced from the actual work they are called upon to do. As one charge nurse expressed it, "The idea that the essence of good mental deficiency nursing centres round the hypodermic syringe, the neatly folded counterpane and the reassuring smell of ether and dusting powder is being swept aside." It is felt that the new syllabus would help nurses to rehabilitate their patients not only in hospital but also in hostels and in their own homes and thus to participate in community care. Whether home visiting should be carried out by nurses as well as by social workers is, of course, a controversial point?both in connection with mental and mentally subnormal patients?but the Working Party consider that they can in this