London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Enfield 1968

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Enfield]

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Joel, Chairman of the Health Committee, and Councillor Mrs. M. M. Hawkins,
who jointly presented medals to the winners. The Chairman also presented the
plaque to the Waltham Forest team, which won the team competition.
International Congress
In 1968, the National Association for Mental Health acted as host for the
seventh International Congress on Mental Health held in London from 12th to
17th August. Those in attendance included professional workers in psychiatry,
psychology, education, nursing, social work, public health administration and allied
fields, and non-professional people interested in the promotion of mental health
and the improvement of human relations throughout the world.
The 1968 Congress marked the climax of a three-year scientific programme on
Mental Health and Education initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health.
It's theme was " Keys to Progress " and attention was focussed on new developments
in research and their practical application.
The London Borough of Enfield sent delegates to the Congress and acted as
host to several delegates, representing the Mental Health Services of other countries,
who asked to see the range of services in Enfield. These visitors included eight
doctors from Canada, Holland, the United States of America, and Yugoslavia.
MENTAL ILLNESS
The London Borough of Enfield is within the catchment area of Claybury and
Friern Hospitals, which admit patients requiring hospital treatment for mental
disorder. The North Middlesex Hospital provides psychiatric beds in a unit to
which suitable patients are admitted for short-term observation and treatment.
Out-patient clinics are held at the North Middlesex. Chase Farm. Highlands
and War Memorial Hospitals.
A 24-hour mental health community service is provided throughout the year
by the Council.
The demand for services is increasing as the facilities provided for people in
need of this type of help become better known. The department has established
close liaison with the other social work departments and the consultants at the
local hospitals. Requests for social histories for patients attending out-patient
psychiatric clinics continue to increase. Staff attend ward meetings at the various
hospitals and, in this way. can provide a continuous link between the patient,
hospital and community.
Domiciliary Service
Persons who are, or who have been, suffering from mental disorder are referred
from a number of sources to the Health Department for care and support in their
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