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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Because of the Government restrictions on Capital Expenditure it was necessary
for the Council to review it's capital programme which resulted in the postponement
of major building projects during 1968. Despite the setback it is encouraging
that during 1970/71 the development of the mental health services will include 150-place
adult training centre, a 24-place hostel for male and female subnormal adults, and a
60-place rehabilitation workshop.
Particular energy has been concentrated to further improve existing services and
ensure progress in the field of care and rehabilitation both of the mentally ill and
mentally retarded.
The Mentally Subnormal
Subnormal and severely subnormal cases under Local Authority care increased by
9% and at the end of the year there was a total of 486 receiving such care.
Visiting of children under 16 years of age and their families is undertaken by the
Health Visitor in co-operation with the Social Worker. The care of those over the age
of 16 and their families is carried out by the Mental Health Social Worker. Children
leaving Schools for the Educationally Subnormal are followed up by a Social Worker,
in co-operation with the Youth Employment Officer, with a view to securing suitable
employment or failing that arranging further education or vocational training.
It is essential that practical relief be given to the families from the continual care
of the subnormal member and short term care is arranged through private placements,
but where individual nursing care is needed this is arranged (whenever possible),
through the psychiatric hospital.
Harperbury Hospital
Despite the virtual full stop on permanent admission because of the need to
reduce overcrowding and improve the service for patients already in hospital,
mutually helpful liaison with Harperbury Hospital continues. The Principal Medical
Officer for Mental Health continues to hold the port time post of Hon. Assistant
Psychiatrist for 3 sessions a week at the hospital.
Proposals are in hand for student nurses to spend part of their training period in
various rrental health establishments which will further the links already made and
enable insight with the various aspects of Local Authority community care.
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