London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
London County Council 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
This page requires JavaScript
114
Occupation
centres
There are now 17 occupation centres provided for mentally deficient persons in London as follows:
| Centre | Accommodation | Centre | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branstone Street School, N. Kensington, W.10 (also takes elder girls) | 75 | ||
| Fellowship Hall, 182, Hammersmith Road, W.6 | 30 | ||
| Cecil Rooms, Woolwich Road, S.E.10 | 45 | ||
| Christ Church Hall, Mowll Street, S.W.9 | 40 | Old Gravel Pit Hall, Vallette Street, E.9 | 40 |
| Claremont Central Mission, White Lion Street, N.l | 60 | St. Chrysostom's Hall, Goldsmith Road, S.E.15 | 45 |
| Earlsfield Congregational Hall, Earlsfield Road, S.W.18 | 60 | ||
| Lewisham Methodist Church Hall, Albion Way, S.E.13 | 30 | All Saints' Hall, Blenheim Grove, S.E.15 | 55 |
| London Mission Methodist Hall, Shepherd's Bush Road, W.6 | 40 | ||
| Dalston Congregational Hall, Bay Street, E.8 | 45 | ||
| Orchard Mission, Mission Place, Peck-ham High Street, S.E.15 | 40 | ||
| 19, Compton Terrace, Islington, N.l | 30 | ||
| Oxford House, Mape Street, E.2 | 30 | St. Michael's Hall, Darley Road, S.W.ll | 30 |
| St. Michael and All Angels' Hall, Northwold Road, E.5 | 60 |
With one exception the centres have been established in hired premises (mainly church
halls) which are the best obtainable but in many cases are not entirely suitable. At
Branstone Street the premises, originally provided and used as a school, serve the needs
of a centre very satisfactorily. The Minister of Health has approved proposals to adapt a
large house, No. 9 Spencer Park, Wandsworth Common, and a prefabricated former
restaurant building in Fulham High Street for use as permanent occupation centres and
arrangements are proceeding for the adaptation of the premises as soon as the necessary
starting dates are given. Plans are also being made for the opening of new centres and
the transfer of existing centres to more suitable premises. The centres are open from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Monday to Friday during primary school terms. Accommodation
is now provided for a total of 755 children and adults. Fares of pupils attending
the centres are paid by the Council under the same conditions as apply to children
attending special schools for the educationally sub-normal, viz., if they are over 12 years
of age and have to travel two miles, or 1½ miles if under that age, or for shorter journeys
if one of the Council's medical officers certifies that conveyance is necessary on medical
grounds. It has been possible to arrange for the conveyance of children attending the
Branstone Street centre by two vehicles released from the ambulance service and operated
by the education transport service. Three private hire coaches are used to convey children
attending the Oxford House Centre and the St. Michael and All Angels' Hall Centre.
Children and older persons attending the other centres are, if necessary, escorted by
guides employed by the Council. Mid-day meals are provided at all centres at a small
charge, which is waived in cases of hardship. Cod liver oil and malt (or halibut liver oil)
is provided for children under the age of 16 years at a small charge or free where
recommended by one of the Council's medical officers. Regular medical inspection is
arranged.
The provision of home teachers has been considered from time to time but in view
of the number of occupation centres available, the fact that transport is now provided
at three centres and that it is hoped to extend these facilities to other centres, no arrangements
have been made to provide home teaching which would be an expensive service.
The matter is, however, kept under constant review and when conditions permit, it is
hoped that it will be possible to provide home teaching for those who are unable to
attend at an occupation centre.
Inspections
Visits by Inspectors of the Board of Control were paid to all centres during the year
and their reports were generally satisfactory. Members of the Health (Mental Health
Sub-) Committee also visited centres in their areas.