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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Mr. K. Chambers
Principal Mental Welfare Officer
For the year under review the total number of referrals to the
mental health service was 1291. This compares with 1268 referrals
for 1968. From these almost identical figures it would appear that
there has been a levelling off in the previously fluctuating pattern
of referrals since 1965. This is reflected in the continued
intensive casework and community care provided by the mental welfare
officers.
Staff
Since the last report Mr. D. T. Baldwin who as Principal Mental
Welfare Officer was responsible for inaugurating the Borough's
mental health services in 1965 has retired.
The staff remained unchanged during 1969 and consists of principal
mental welfare officer, deputy principal mental welfare officer, seven
senior mental welfare officers, three mental welfare officers and two
trainees. One officer attending the Sheffield College of Technology
was awarded the Certificate in Social Work on completing the two-year
course and another officer is undertaking a similar two-year course at
the Chiswick Polytechnic.
During the past year members of the staff have attended short
courses and seminars arranged by London Boroughs' Training Committee.
As in the two previous years a student from Bedford College of the
University of London spent a month in the department in order to gain
practical experience in social work whilst studying for the Diploma in
Social Studies.
Psychiatric Day Centre
The centre continues to supply a need for the mentally ill and has
an average daily attendance of 18 persons. The activities of the group
are varied and consist of light industrial work and a selection of
homecraft and handicraft activities. A Drama Therapist and a Craft
Instructress from the North Kensington Evening Institute visit the
centre for one half day session per week each. It has been noted that
patients have responded to these additional activities and have
benefited accordingly.
Admissions to Hospital
Of the 1291 persons referred during the year 4l4 were admitted to
hospital by mental welfare officers under the statutory provisions of
the Mental Health Act, 1959 and of these 119 were admitted informally.
Many informal admissions are effected by arrangement between the
catchment hospital concerned and the patient's G.P. without recourse
to the services of the department.