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45
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The expansion and consolidation of the work of the Mental
Health Services which was achieved in 1963 has served as a base
from which further developments have been possible in 1964.
These advances have again extended to many varied aspects of the
service including social work, industrial work, residential care
and social clubs.
Administration
The Medical Officer of Health is in 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, Dr.A.R.May,
Consultant Psychiatrist at Warlingham Park Hospital was appointed
in succession to Dr.S.A. MacKeith, as Psychiatric Adviser to
the Local Health Authority and as Medical Director of their
Community Mental Health Services. Dr. B. W. Richards, Consultant
Psychiatrist at St.Lawrence's Hospital has continued as adviser
in mental subnormality to the Local Health Authority.
The successful operation of the Mental Health Services
depends on the help and co-operation of medical colleagues,
whether in hospitals or in general practice, and I should like
again to record my thanks to all of them for their continued
willing support.
Voluntary Associations
Twelve 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. Valuable help has also been given by the Croydon Guild
of Social Service, and from other voluntary bodies and individuals
to all of whom appreciation and thanks are due for their
ready assistance.