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48
Crosfield Industrial Unit
Despite the inadequacy of these premises there were considerable
developments during the year under review. On the
administrative side the co-ordination of all industrial work for
the local authority and for the mental hospital was ensured by
the joint appointment of the Corporation's Industrial Organiser
by the Hospital Management Committee, who reimbursed 2/llths of
salary. In August part of the Unit was approved by the Ministry
of Labour as a sheltered workshop, so that two sections were
formed (i) an assessment, training and rehabilitation unit, (ii)
a sheltered workshop.
By agreement with the Welfare Services Committee both
sections admitted physically as well as mentally handicapped
persons. Acceptance, review, and discharge of trainees, were
covered at weekly meetings attended by a Psychiatrist, Psychologist,
Disablement Rehabilitation Officer, Social Worker, and a
representative of each Centre. A Social Club was held on one
evening per week, with a Social Worker acting as the Club leader.
An average of 30 trainees attended. Music, table games, handwork,
and tuition in reading, writing and simple arithmetic, were the
main activities. Rambles and visits to places of interest were
also arranged. At the 31st December there were 57 patients in
the Assessment unit - 46% were mentally ill, 23% were subnormal,
14% severely subnormal, and 17% were physically disabled. On the
same date there were 43 patients in the Sheltered Workshop - 44%
were mentally ill, 14% subnormal, 28% severely subnormal and 14%
physically handicapped. Terms and conditions of service were as
agreed with the Ministry of Labour, and conformed in essence to
those at "Remploy". A full 40 hour week was worked, travelling
expenses upf to 2/-d per day repaid, and a free mid-day meal
provided. Employees were free to join a Trade Union, and a
physically handicapped person acted as a shop steward. Work processes
included assembly and packing, wire bending and spot
welding, soldering, drilling and fly press work, and manufacturing
breeze blocks.
Hospital Group
The experiment of allowing a group of mentally ill patients
to attend from Warlingham Park Hospital was surprisingly successful.
Of the 20 patients referred during the year, 6 had to be
withdrawn but 9 progressed to employment in the sheltered workshop,
1 to open employment, and 4 remained under assessment at
the end of the year.