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48
MENTAL HEALTH ACT, 1959 and NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE ACT, 1946
Mental Health Services
Mental Health services in the City are provided on an agency basis by the London Borough
of Tower Hamlets and the following information has been given by Dr. R.W. Watton, Medical
Officer of Health of that Borough:-
City Courts
Eight patients seen at Court by a Mental Welfare Officer and escorted to Psychiatric Hospital.
St. Bartholomew's
Twenty patients visited at request of hospital doctors and dealt with pursuant to the provisions
of the Mental Health Act, 1959.
British Transport Police
One patient referred for Mental Health action, several requests for advice and guidance
duly given.
City Offices
One patient visited and dealt with under Mental Health Act, 1959. Other requests for
for advice and guidance were received from various agencies and help duly given.
Samaritans
Two patients referred for action and hospital out-patient appointments were made. Other
requests for advice and guidance were received and duly given.
Visited in Private Addresses
Six patients (referred by various agencies) were visited in their homes for investigation,
action under the Mental Health Act, 1959 or follow-up.
Tower Hamlets Day Centre for Mentally III and Psycho-geriatric
Two patients in regular attendance at the close of the year. Both commenced attendance
in 1967. One was accepted for residence in Rawson House, Booth House, Whitechapel in March
1969.
Two patients were in regular attendance at the beginning of the year but one was admitted
to Hospital at the end of January and the other was also admitted to hospital after two months
stay in a residential hostel.
Other patients for whom arrangements were made during the year failed to attend.
A Social Club operates on Monday and Wednesday evenings for patients and their relatives
or friends. Light meals and snacks are provided.
The programme of entertainment and activities, feature Bingo, Records, Table Tennis, Darts,
Billiards, Film Shows, etc. A quiet room is set apart for those patients who prefer such an
environment.
Outings are arranged when finances permit.
Other facilities available at the Centre are:-
(1) Personal interview at the centre by disablement resettlement Officer.
(2) Full time services of Social Worker at least 2 days a week for consultation; assessment,
employment placement, etc.
(3) Laundry facilities.
(4) Services of government training centre, hairdressers — (male) by kind permission of the
manager, men's hair being cut free of charge once in three weeks.
(5) Emergency clothing replaced.
(6) Daily newspapers, small library and "Centre View" — the centre's own magazine.
Reactivation by Social activities of Day Centre patients is an integral part of the centre
policy and extra to the normal day time industrial work and training undertaken. This work ranges
from assembling and packing skipping ropes, paint boxes, egg cups, chess sets, etc. etc. Each
worker receives an ex-gratia payment.
Mid-day meals and light refreshments are served and a minimal charge made.