View report page

Some of the After-Care patients had to return to hospital for a time, but owing to
their contact with the P.S.W. their deterioration was noticed at an early stage, and they
were willing to accept treatment as Voluntary Patients. A complete breakdown often means
distressing situations for all concerned - patients, relatives, neighbours, and employers,
and all patients are encouraged to come up to the West Ham Nerve Clinic which is staffed
by Goodmayes Hospital. The P.S.W. attends there once a week, and this helps towards a
closer liason between the Hospital and the Local Authority and also establishes some
continuity for the patients. The family doctor is, of course, always consulted whenever
the question of treatment arises.
The main source of referrals continues to be Goodmayes Hospital, including the West
Ham Nerve Clinic. There has, however, been a most significant and welcome increase in
referrals from the Maternity and Child Welfare Department, and has shown that the Health
Visitor's skill is an essential factor in the preventative aspect of the P.S.W.'s work.
The Psychiatric Social Club has proved to be of value for different types of people.
For those with emotional difficulties and leading a lonely, frustrating existence, club
attendance has been the beginning of a more outgoing, satisfying life. It can also play an
important part in the rehabilitation of patients from mental hospitals. Prospective club
members often need much encouragement and help before making their first appearance, but
many find that the slow tempo and Informal friendly atmosphere does not make them feel
outsiders or wallflowers, as they would possibly have been In a larger more active group.
Members are always encouraged to join an ordinary social club when they feel ready to do so.
The Club meets every Wednesday evening at Maryland School. More equipment and a
slowly growing membership has enabled us to widen the range of activities - games, dancing,
outings and attendance at socials of other clubs. The members have elected their own
Committee. It has been a great help to have the regular assistance of Mr.J.P.Quinn, a
former member of staff, as the P.S.W. should keep in touch with each member, and this is
impossible if she is single handed. Some very close friendships have been formed amongst
members, and the Club as well as the individuals have benefitted from this. The main
difficulty continues to be the very small referral of new members, and most newcomers to
the Club are patients already known to the P,S.W.
Much encouragement has been received from the ready help and support given by the
Staff of the Public Health Department, Goodmayes Hospital, and social workers and agencies
In the Borough. This close co-operation is essential for the continuation and development
of the work.
STATISTICS
Referrals 1951 1950
Pre-care a) New 37
b) Re-applications 4 4-1 28
After-care
a) New 24
b) Re-appllcations 17 4l 49
Totals 82 77
Cases closed 66 58
Current cases (on 31.12.51) 74 5$
(These figures do not Include Club members).
No. of home visits 612 301
No. of office interviews 146 52
Visits to social agencies 68 25
50