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15. MENTAL HEALTH
The Council is responsible under the Mental Health Act, 1959, for the provision of community
care for the mentally ill and the mentally subnormal.
MENTAL ILLNESS
Social Work
A large part of the support which the mentally ill living in the community require is provided
by the borough's 11 mental health social workers who are also responsible for certain legal aspects
of the compulsory admission of patients to hospital. A 24-hour service is provided. During the
year a consultant psychiatrist from Springfield Hospital was appointed for one session per fortnight
to advise mental health social workers.
Greenford Mental Health Centre
This centre has continued to provide a period of rehabilitation for patients making the sometimes
difficult transit from hospital to community life. Close links have been established with the
Disablement Resettlement Officer and the Industrial Therapy Organisation who deal with matters of
employment and rehabilitation. 49 patients attended during the year.
Hostels
Although the borough has no hostel for the mentally ill, 28 patients are living in other local
authority hostels and those run by voluntary organisations. The Ealing Association for Mental Health
provides bed-sitting rooms for six women recently discharged but not yet ready to settle in the
community.
Hospitals
Ealing is served by three psychiatric hospitals;-
Springfield Hospital,
Upper Tooting - Ealing Area
Shenley Hospital,
St. Albans - Acton Area
St. Bernard's Hospital,
Southall - Southall Area
I have in previous reports referred to the difficulties caused by this division and by the long
journey to two of the three hospitals.
Voluntary Organisations
The Ealing Association for Mental Health has continued its valuable activities which include a bus
service to Springfield Hospital, shopping expeditions for in-patients, and the organisation of the local
Mental Health Week. Note has already been made of the Association's bed-sitting room accommodation.
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