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37
A gift of £50 was received from Smith's Charity (Kensington Estate)
through Alderman Monk and this was used for the purchase of a film strip
projector and screen for use by the School.
Day Hospital/Centres
The former Day Hospital at The Oaks in Thornton Heath was again reopened
as a Day Hospital in July as a joint scheme of the regional hospital
board and the local authority, thus making Day Hospital provision in the
four geographical areas of the Borough.
Day Centre
With the alternative use of The Oaks, Thornton Heath, as a Day Hospital
and it having been proved possible to successfully operate a centre for more
chronically disabled or elderly patients, premises for the continuation of
these facilities were made available at Bensham Grove and this was opened
as a Day Centre in November 1970.
Residential Care
(i) Temporary Care
In 55 instances short term care for mentally handicapped patients was
made through the hospital service, and convalescent holidays were arranged
for 24 patients, and 30 on two group holidays 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, and 10 were in residence at the end of the year.
(ii) Long Term Care
(a) Boarding Out Scheme
During 1970, 63 patients were found lodgings through the scheme, 22
more than the previous year. Of these 41 were still in lodgings at the end
of the year, 16 had moved on to other accommodation and 6 had been readmitted
to hospital. A total of 100 patients was living in lodgings at the
end of the year.
Again tribute must be paid to the landladies who participate in the
scheme and make it a successful aid to the rehabilitation of patients.
(b) Group Homes
In August of this year another group home was opened at South Croydon,
making it possible to accommodate a total" of 44 residents in the 6 houses.