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175
could be used temporarily as a Day Centre and, since February, 1967,
it has been successful in accommodating an average of 25 persons for
5 days a week. Although the building is rather drab, the improvement
in the mental state of persons attending has to be seen to be believed
and this undoubtedly follows from the excellent atmosphere generated
by the staff and leaves no doubt as to the value of such facilities.
Satisfactory integration with the mentally ill by the few physically
handicapped attending this centre justifies the department's decision
for future Centres to be combined. Next year should see the opening
of two combined Day Centres which are now well on the way to
completion.
One of the mental health Social Workers continues to attend
Dr. Leiberman's Clinic at the Miller Wing of the Greenwich District
Hospital on Wednesday afternoons. This arrangement has proved
satisfactory and could, with advantage to all concerned, be extended
to other out-patient clinics in the Borough if and when the Consultants
at these clinics are prepared to accept them.
At the Castlewood Day Hospital, a mental health Social Worker
employed by this authority attends for three or four sessions per
week. In addition, the salary of the Occupational Therapist and the
fees of the Art Therapist for two sessions per week are the responsibility
of this Council. Moreover, charges for patients attending the
swimming baths are also met by this authority.
Numerous visits, in addition to those normally solicited by
general practitioners, were made by psychiatrists from Bexley
Hospital at the request of the mental health staff to give advice and
make recommendations. The advantage of such a procedure is that,
if considered necessary, a bed at Bexley Hospital can be made available
by the Consultant whereas, not having the means to admit a
patient to hospital, a Council psychiatrist would be able only to
advise on policy.
Held at the Albany Institute on Wednesday evenings for the
mentally ill of both Greenwich and Lewisham, the Tideway Club has
proved to be somewhat disappointing, in so far as Greenwich is
concerned, for only about 6 residents attend. Doubtless this is due,
in part, to the fact that the premises are located at the extreme edge
of the Borough and that the building itself is old and forbidding
and does not readily lend itself to this type of activity.
Co-operation with other departments of the Council has been
maintained on a satisfactory basis, and relationships with statutory
and voluntary agencies have been fostered and strengthened during
the current year.
Community Services for the Mentally Subnormal
Referrals are received mainly from the Nursing Service which
is responsible for the 'At Risk' register and whose information is
obtained from hospitals, midwives, M. & C.W. clinics, doctors and