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37
At the end of the year there were 30 girls and 51 boys on the books of
the centre. The total of 81 compares with 67 at the end of 1966.
Residential Care
(i) Temporary Care
In 42 instances short term care for patients was made through the
hospital service, and convalescent holidays were arranged for 11 patients
during the year.
Temporary residential care for patients recovering from mental illness
continues to be provided through the Mental After Care Association's hostel
in Croydon.
(ii) Long Term Care
(a) Boarding Out Scheme
During 1967 43 patients were found lodgings through the Scheme, 7 more
than in the previous year. Of these 24 were still in lodgings at the end of the
year, 11 had moved on to other accommodation and 15 had been re-admitted
to hospital.
Again tribute must be paid to the landladies who participate in the scheme
and make it such a successful aid to the rehabilitation of patients.
(b) Small Group Homes
The two small group homes established by the end of 1966 continued to
run satisfactorily and proved of great value to the 12 residents. During 1967
two further homes were opened providing accommodation for a further 13 residents;
these also have been running satisfactorily.
During the year 16 patients were found places in these homes. Two
residents moved on to other accommodation and one was re-admitted to
hospital.
It is perhaps noteworthy that out of the 59 patients discharged from
hospital to residential care provided by the local health authority only 8
were re-admitted to hospital.
Social Work
During 1967 it was not possible to make good all the staff losses in
1966 and there was some further loss of staff by retirement and appointment
to more senior posts elsewhere.
The vital importance of the policy of secondment of staff for training
is clearly seen in helping to maintain the scope and quality of the service
despite the difficult recruitment position.
Through the year the level of work was well maintained and the caseload
carried by the social workers remained at approximately 1,150.
The total number of cases referred to the social workers in the year
was 1,083 so that they were again in touch with over 2,000 patients and
their families during the 12 months.