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48. In the Annual Report for 1927 (Vol. II., p. 36), reference was made to the fact
that a substantial part of the accommodation which defectives may occupy in the
Metropolitan Asylums Board's institutions was being used for cases admitted under
contract at the charge of provincial authorities, and it was stated that steps were in
contemplation to secure, if possible, the removal from the Board's institutions of
those defectives who are not chargeable to London, so that London cases might
replace them. In February, 1928, the Council made representations in this matter to
the Metropolitan Asylums Board and to the Board of Control, in the hope that action
might be taken to secure for London the full benefit of accommodation originally
provided entirely for London's needs. In August, 1928, the Board of Control
intimated that they had suggested to the Metropolitan Asylums Board that that
body should arrange for the removal of the extra-metropolitan cases from their
institutions. Up to the end of the year, no intimation had been received from the
Metropolitan Asylums Board that they had decided to act upon the suggestion put
forward by the Council and by the Board of Control, but we understand that notices
have since been given to determine contracts with out-county authorities.
Metropolitan
Asylums
Board
certified
institution,
(b) Accommodation provided by the Council.
49. This has continued to be provided at (i) The Manor, Epsom (488 male and
603 female defectives of all classes, including 38 high grade female adult defectives
in Hollywood Lodge, Epsom-common (see par 52, post)), (ii) the South Side Home,
Streatham Common, S.W. (80 females, higher grade cases), (iii) Brunswick House,
Mistley, Essex (50 males, higher grade cases), and (iv) Farmfield, near Horley,
Surrey (85 adult or adolescent males of criminal experience or intractable disposition).
The accommodation at these institutions continues to be reserved exclusively for
London cases. A statement of expenditure on the administration of these institutions
is given in Appendixes I. and II. At 31st December, 1928, the four institutions
were practically full.
Number of
cases
accommodated.
The Manor.
50. During 1928 much progress was made at The Manor, and the improved
facilities for the classification of patients, following the sub-division of large wards
and other structural alterations have resulted in a marked general improvement
in the discipline of the patients, who are more contented and happier.
Progress
made.
51. Hitherto the buildings of The Manor, which were provided originally for
use as one of the London County mental hospitals, with the land which forms the
estate of the institution, have been used as an institution for defectives by way of
lease, the Mental Deficiency service paying an annual rent to the Lunacy service.
In July, 1928, the Council decided, subject to the approval of the Minister of Health,
to discontinue the temporary arrangement for rental and to transfer the land and
buildings for use permanently for the accommodation of cases of mental defect.
At the end of the year, however, the terms upon which the transfer should be
accepted had not been settled.
Transfer of
land and
buildings.
52. In the Annual Report for 1927 (Vol. II., p. 39) mention was made of the
purchase by the Council of a property, adjacent to The Manor, which had been renamed
"Hollywood Lodge, Epsom-common," and which it had been decided should be
used temporarily as an annexe to The Manor for the accommodation of 38 female
adult defectives of the best type. Hollywood Lodge was opened for the reception
of patients in April, 1928. It is an independent unit for all purposes except the
bathing of the patients who are housed there, and forms a very useful bridge between
institution care and absence on licence. The inmates are trained in housework,
cookery, laundrywork and gardening, with a view to their entering daily domestic
service in the neighbourhood. The use of Hollywood Lodge has enabled the medical
superintendent of The Manor to select female patients who are likely to be suitable
for trial outside the institution and to give them training under conditions more
Hollywood
Lodge,
Epsomcommon.