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59
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
During 1963 progress in the Mental Health Service has been
marked both by further expansion of the different branches of
the work - industrial, social and residential provision - and by
considerable consolidation of the service in these various sides.
Progress has been solid and soundly based, and there is now a
good foundation for further development.
Administration
The Medical Officer of Health has administrative control,
and the deputy and two Assistant Medical Officers of Health are
approved for the purpose of the Mental Health Act. Under arrangements
agreed with the Regional Hospital Board, the Physician
Superintendent of Warlingham Park Hospital serves as Psychiatric
Advisor to the local health authority, a Consultant Psychiatrist
from the same hospital is in charge of the day to day running of
the services as Medical Director of the Community Mental Health
Services, and a Consultant Psychiatrist from St. Lawrence's
Hospital advises on the work for the mentally subnormal.
Voluntary Associations
Thirteen severely subnormal patients are placed with the
Guardianship Society and their care by the Society constitutes
the only duty delegated to a voluntary organisation. The service
continues to have the use of ten beds in the Mental After Care
Association short stay home in Croydon. The service also has
close and cordial ties with Croydon and District Society for
Mentally Handicapped Children, who continue to organise excellent
social club activities for the Mentally handicapped in the district.
The Croydon Guild of Social Service are often able to
render most valuable assistance.
Work carried out in the Community
The pages which follow give details of the work undertaken
ln 1963. I record with appreciation my thanks to medical
colleagues in our local psychiatric hospitals for their help
and co¬operation.