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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Despite the imposed restraint in implementing the proposals contained in the 10-Year Plan, due
to the National economic situation, it is nevertheless envisaged that forward planning of the mental
health services will continue and from a revision of the priority of need will emerge realistic, albeit
curtailed plans for long term development of the services.
The provision of services to mentally infirm elderly still remains the first and most urgent priority.
It is estimated that 12% of the population over the age of 65 i.e. something over 4,800 people are
suffering from mental disorder which requires treatment. Over half of these old people are suffering
from forms of mental illness which are reversible and most of which can be treated as efficiently as
similar conditions in younger people. In addition the catchment hospital has become silted up with
elderly people, many of whom no longer need the full facilities of a Psychiatric Hospital and whose
discharge to community accommodation could make available beds urgently needed for the admission
of acutely ill people in the community. The provision of a wide range of services including Day
Hospital, Day Centres, Special Residential Hostels, Domiciliary Psychiatric Nursing and more
intensive Social Work directed to the problems of the aged requires a concerted effort in which the
local Health and Welfare Department has a key role.
As mentioned in my previous report, plans for the development of the service include the provision
of both Day Centres and Hostels for the elderly mentally infirm, but since these are not scheduled
for commencement until 1968, Park House Hostel continues to be used on two days per week as a Day
Centre under the direct charge of one of the Senior Social Workers.
During 1967, the success of this experimental venture became apparent. An Occupational Therapy
session under the guidance of the Council's Occupational Therapist was commenced in October and
one of the benefits of this session has been the increased communication between the patients.
The standard of work of some of the old people is much higher than might be expected — one old
lady of over 80 years produces a constant supply of excellent cane trays. Stools, coffee tables, dish
cloths, chamois car cleaners, mosaic ashtrays, leather work and toys are being made successfully
and there has been surprisingly little wastage.
A music programme of records was introduced with some success and a programme of guitar music
is also planned. As a result of the increased socialization of these patients, a more adventurous
programme was possible; one of the most successful outings was to the sea-side.
Much of the success of the Day Centre would not be possible without the excellent help of the
W.R.V.S. who assist with the supervision and care of the old people.
Until such time as it is possible to extend the Day Centre arrangements for the elderly mentally
infirm at Park House Hostel, the London Borough of Harrow continues to allocate four vacancies at
their Marlborough Day Centre.
Mental Subnormality
The need for a hostel for trainable mentally subnormal adults has long been recognised and a
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