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On 31st December 1965, 10 patients were awaiting hospital
beds.
Guardianship
No patients were placed under guardianship during the year
and 2 were discharged, bringing the total number under guardianship
to 18 at the end of the year.
Training Centres
(i) Junior Training Centre
The difficult working conditions occasioned in 1964 by
commencement of building operations on the site of the new adult
centre still continue. Despite this the work of the Centre has
continued as satisfactorily as conditions allow, and appreciation
is due to the Supervisor and staff of the Centre for the
hard work put in and the way training standards have been maintained
under discouraging and difficult conditions. In February
the conversion of rooms in the former Supervisor's flat was
completed to allow an extension of the special care facilities.
While not ideal this special accommodation did permit the admission
of an additional 10 children too handicapped for the
ordinary classes of the Centre. At the end of the year there
were 63 trainees on the books of the Centre (40 boys and 23
girls).
(ii) Bensham Adult Training Centre
This continued to provide training and work for subnormal
and severely subnormal persons. Most entrants were from the
Junior Training Centre, and some progressed to the Crosfield
Industrial Unit.
On the 31st December, 63 trainees (36 male and 27 female)
were attending. Work included laundering, tool assembly, filling
and packing, soldering and simple electronic sub-assemblies. The
hours were 9 a.m, to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays throughout the
year, except on Bank Holidays. Incentive pocket money was paid
based on aptitude ability, and regularity of attendance. A bonus
scheme applied when the money earned exceeded the pocket money
rate. Protective clothing was provided, and meals at a low cost.
Coaches took trainees to and from the Centre, but encouragement
was given to those capable of making their own way.