London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of Westminster 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]
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Linnet House Special Care Unit, Charlbert Street, N.W.8
This specialised Unit which opened in October 1966, accommodates twelve children aged
5-12 years and continues to provide a very necessary and important service for the severely
mentally handicapped child. As children leave, vacancies are immediately filled and a full roll is
maintained. The children are conveyed to and from the Unit by coach which has been specially
adapted to ensure their comfort and safety.
It will be recalled that this Unit is run by the City of Westminster Society for Mentally Handicapped
Children, on the City Council's behalf and the close liaison between the Council and the Society
continues.
Special Counselling Clinics for Retarded Children There are now three special counselling clinics in the City; a new one at Queens Park opened in December. A Mental Health Social Worker is always present at these clinics to assist the Principal Medical Officer. Attendances at these clinics were as follows:—
| 1967 New A ttended/Referrals | 1966 New Attended/Referrals | 1965 New A ttended/Referrals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrow Road | 89 25 | 70 38 | 45 |
| Bessborough Street | 32 11 | 21 11 | 13 |
| Queens Park | 3 — | — — | — |
Short Term Care During 1967 holidays from 2-8 weeks were arranged for 35 patients, either in hospital or other suitable residential homes.
| 1967 | 1966 | 1965 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Hospital | 13 | 7 | |
| In Residential Homes | 28 | 24 | 17 |
St. Judes Hostel
This purpose built hostel opened in June and by December eight residents were accommodated
there and arrangements are already in hand for further admissions early in 1968. It is anticipated
that all vacancies will be filled next year and a full complement will be maintained. Arrangements
are being made for a day and evening club to be held at the hostel where residents can participate
in woodwork and other subjects. The club will be open also to non-residents who are receiving
community care.
OTHER SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL
Terrace Day Rehabilitation Centre, 1 St. Mary's Terrace, W.2
There has been an excellent attendance at this Centre throughout the year and in fact 45 patients
were on the roll at December, five of whom were patients from other London Boroughs. (In 1966
there were 20 patients but it will be remembered that the Centre opened in November of that year).
There is also an evening social club for these patients once a week and the majority of them attend
and join in the varied programme of social activities.
Day Rehabilitation Centres With the opening of the City Council's own Centre the need to use other authorities' facilities for the mentally ill patients has lessened; four patients received support and constructive tuition at other Centres in 1967 as follows:—
| 1967 | 1966 | 1965 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Day | 4 | ||
| Ladbroke Grove | _ | _ | |
| Blackfriars | _ | 4 | 4 |
| Crossways | — | 3 | 3 |
| Shoreditch | — | 1 | 1 |