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48
Patients are referred by Mental Health Social Workers, Hospital Psychiatric Departments, General
Practitioners, and various Social Agencies.
The Staff consists of a Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, one junior Occupational Therapist, a
male Technician and a visiting Psychiatrist.
Male and female patients above the age of adolescence are accepted and may suffer from any
form of mental disorder but sub-normals as such cannot be accepted. Male and female patients
work side by side as the social aspect of the Centre is very important.
The Centre works towards the ideal of assisting mentally disordered individuals to take a place in
'normal' society without a sense of isolation and also to encourage an ambition to take up suitable
employment. Where disposal to employment is unlikely to be achieved, the patient's relatives are
relieved of custodial care during the day and are able to pursue their own employment. Where there
are no relatives, the individual is given some encouragement and supervision to ward off isolation.
The staff has to inculcate a sense of punctuality amongst the patients as attendance is voluntary
and treatment is largely dependent on this if transfer to future employment is to be successful.
Social activities of many kinds are held regularly in addition to the work routine. Visits are made
to factories, museums and other places of instruction.
In addition to daily supervision of activities, the staff confer with social workers and relatives
concerned with the welfare of the various patients. This also includes liaison with doctors, clinics,
hospitals. Labour Exchanges, Social Security offices &c.
Not being under the Ministry of Health, National Health prescriptions are not issued but advice
with regard to medication is given to the patients' doctors from time to time.
An important service is that of ensuring that the patients are taking medication as prescribed.
This is of paramount importance in the prevention of relapse particularly in cases of schizophrenia
and epilepsy.
We are extremely grateful for the encouragement given to us by the many officers from City Hall
who were concerned with the work entailed in setting up the Centre.
We have had many visitors interested in our work and may we especially thank Dr. Briscoe-Smith
and Mrs. Paterson and their respective staffs.
We have been honoured by a visit from the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor A. L. Burton.
We have had the continued interest of Mr. C. A. Prendergast, Chairman of the Health Committee,
and also visits from other members of the Health Committee, Mrs. H. Shire, Mrs. R. T. Glenny and
Dr. L. Jacobs.
Statistical details relating to the work carried out at this Centre are set out in Table 47, page 86.
SOCIAL WORKERS (HEALTH SERVICES)
(Miss I. J. McFarlane, M.A., Principal Social Worker (Health Services))
During 1966 the social workers in this section of the Health Department have been expanding
their range of duties. Although there is a certain amount of specialisation the staff have been learning
something of each others work so that when necessary they can deputise for their colleagues.
Before commenting in detail upon the social work carried out under the various headings, it should
be emphasised that the public is using the Department increasingly for general advice and information
and it is essential, therefore, that the staff is kept up-to-date with social legislation. In some cases
the role of the social worker is to assist people to use the services to which they are entitled by right
and there are straightforward cases when this can be carried out quite easily. Often however, the
people who ask for help are those who are experiencing serious personal problems and some need
long-term support.
Social work at Chest Clinics
There is a social worker at each of the three Chest Clinics in the City, viz., Paddington, St. Marylebone
and Westminster. She interviews patients at the clinic and this often involves offering intensive
help with the problems and anxiety caused by sudden hospital admission and the practical
difficulties that may occur. There are inevitably the problems associated with tuberculosis and
fears about the illness and its effect on the family. Some patients have difficulty in managing on a
low income for a long period—particularly during the winter months—and the social worker can
often help to alleviate financial hardship of this kind. Fuel grants and extra nourishment grants are
available to help with the home care of certain patients. With regard to employment, some patients
are unable to work because of their illness or need to change to a lighter job and they sometimes have
the anxiety of long periods away from work. A number are referred to the Disablement Resettlement
Officer and there is close co-operation between that officer and the clinic. The social worker