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social work at all levels, whether that of the health department's community work or the
hospitals' in-patient service. For the mentally ill, a really comprehensive community care
service is the first priority to establish
The work of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, supported finaneially by the
Council, increased during the year when it was possible for them to take over larger premises,
vacated by the Council, for use as an additional occupation centre for the mentally ill.
Some expansion in the provision of psycho-geriatric care was possible such that our
Pritchard's Road Centre, operated in conjunction with the day hospital at St, Clement's, was
increasingly utilised Work with the mental ly sub—normal has not been forgotten Construction
of the purpose built junior training centre for 115 persons, with special care unit places, is
up to schedule and should be open in November, 1969 Meanwhile, activities at our three existing
centres have progressed
Opportunity has been taken under the secondment for training courses to increase the number
of centre staff holding a recognised qualification, usually the Diploma for Teachers of the
Mentally Handicapped Acceptance of the local proposals for the upgrading of salary scales of
teachers and workers in the centres will enhance the service given by the section, albeit some
of this work may soon be taken over by the Education Authority
In the face of, or despite continuing theoretical deliberations on the future of the
personal health and social services in local government. I am pleased to report that good
liaison and working relationships with all the other likely to be affected departments were
enjoyed throughout the year
On behalf of the department, I express my gratitude to the Chairmen and Members of
Committees for support and encouragement, and to the Town Clerk and other Chief Officer
colleagues for the same To the staff of the department I give my thanks for another good year
of service.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
R.I. WATTON-
Medical Officer of Health
and Principal School Medical Officer
May. 1969
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