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Statistics relating to the Mental Health Services appear on pages 100 to 10?
REHABILITATION AND AFTER CARE OF ALCOHOLICS (including Crude Spirit Drinkers)
In an attempt to rehabilitate crude spirit drinkers and other alcoholics a pilot scheme was
planned last year with the Salvation Army, to come into operation in April of this year. An
assessment unit forms part of the Salvation Army's new premises, Booth House, Whitechapel whence
suitable cases are sent for rehabilitation to the Salvation Army's country premises near Swindon,
Wilts.
Financial support is given by the Council towards the expenses of the Medical Unit at Booth
House, and the costs of patients'sojourn at the Wiltshire home are reimbursed to the Salvation
Army. The Home Office agreed to make agrant towards this expenditure in the Urban Aid programme.
The Secretary of State for Social Services approved the modification of the Council's
proposals under Section 12 of the Health Service, and Public Health Act 1968 by the inclusion of
the following:-
''In order to secure rehabil itation of individual patients there shall be close collaboration
from the earliest possible stage between the Council and hospital authorities, general practitioners
and voluntary bodies. In particular the Council may provide assistance in the following ways,
namely-
(a) Social Support: The Council to provide, subject to patients' agreement, anynecessary
social support by its own social workers and/or voluntary bodies.
(b) Provision of Hostels: The Council to provide itself, or in conjunction with other local
authorities, or by the use partly or wholly of voluntary organisations, hostel accommodation
for the after care of alcoholics (including crude spirit drinkers) and,
(c) Generally: To assist generally in the after care of alcoholics (including crude spirit
dr inkers).' '
REHABILITATION OF HEROIN ADDICTS - HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION
The Council expressed agreement with a proposal that four 12-bed hostels for ex-heroin
addicts be established in the Metropolitan area, including the financing of the expenditure by
rateable contributions from all the London Boroughs. By the end of the year two voluntary
associations were well advanced with pilot schemes and were given grants by the Greater London
Council in accordance with the financial arrangements referred to above.
BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS
For the purpose of the Council's scheme for providing welfare services under the National
Assistance Act 1948 for the blind and partially sighted, it is necessary to arrange medical
examinations in connection with the certification of such persons. The department arranged 109
examinations by a consultant ophthalmologist during the year and certificates accepted from other
local authorities, hospitals and private ophthalmologists numbered 69. Transport to the clinic
for examination is arranged for these persons where necessary.
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