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98
of the Guardianship Society, Brighton; at 'Lynsted,' Walmer, and 'Orchard Dene,'
Rainhill, Liverpool, homes run by the National Association for Mental Health, the
latter on behalf of the National Association of Parents of Backward Children, and at a
number of approved homes. The Council recovered contributions towards the cost of
maintenance in each case according to the means of the patient's family.
65 London patients were admitted to hospitals under the provisions of the Circular
for an average period of five weeks each, the great majority ot these being admissions of
children to the Fountain Hospital.
This relief has generally been provided for children already awaiting permanent
admission to hospital, thus breaking the long waiting period before admission, besides
covering the actual emergency.
Welfare
clinic
A special welfare clinic for mentally backward children under five was established
in East London during the year as an experiment. Sessions were held once a month,
when a medical officer experienced in mental deficiency, as well as maternity and child
welfare, attended. She was assisted by a social worker and a nurse. In view of the success
of this service, the Council decided to provide similar clinics in other parts of London.
Students
During the year facilities were given tor a number ot students taking university
courses of training in social science to spend periods up to eight weeks in the district
offices of the supervision section to enable them to have practical experience in mental
deficiency social work. Facilities were also given for some students to witness the presentation
of petitions to Judicial Authorities for orders under the Mental Deficiency Acts.
Accommodation
Occupation Centres
An additional occupation centre for elder girls was opened and two centres (one for
elder boys and one for elder girls) were moved to better premises during the year. The
centres, which were all renamed according to the locality in which they are situated,
and particulars of the accommodation available at 31st December, 1953, are as follow :
Centre
Accommodation
Centres Jor children
Bcthnal Green 40
Clapton 60
Earlsfield 60
Finsbury 60
Greenwich 45
Hammersmith 40
Lewisham 30
North Kensington (also takes elder
girls) 75
Peckham (juniors) 45
Centre
Accommodation
Centres Jor elder girls
Fulham 35
Hackney 40
Islington 30
Peckham (elder girls) 45
Centres for elder boys
Archway 35
Battersea 30
Dalston 45
Peckham (elder boys) 60
Total 805
With the growing number of cases to be dealt with it will be necessary for more
places to be provided during the next few years.
The completion of preliminary adaptations to enable partial use (for elder girls) of
the prefabricated former restaurant building in Fulham High Street, is referred to on
page 53. When all the work has been completed and full use can be made of the centre,
which is expected to be early in 1954, the premises will be used exclusively for children,
and the elder girls transferred to other premises.
The opening of two replacement centres at Congregational Church Hall, Junction
Road, Islington, and St. James' Church Hall, Islington, is also referred to on page 53.
The house, No. 9 Spencer Park, Wandsworth Common, referred to in the Report
for 1952, is also expected to be ready for occupation in the Spring of 1954. The Council
will then have three occupation centres in its own premises.