View report page

(c) Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinic at Harold Wood Hospital
After detailed preliminary discussions and planning
(in October and November, 1965) with Drs. Neustatter and
Gaitonde and the Group Medical Social Worker, a Mental
Welfare Officer, began to attend Out-Patient sessions
on Monday afternoons in order to provide social work
help and support to newly referred out-patients and to
those who are seen by the Consultant Psychiatrist prior to
their discharge.
Though it is difficult to categorise types of problems
from the small number referred before the end of 1965,
it would appear that the majority of those persons referred
suffer from phobic anxiety states and/or depressive
illness, many of whom attempted suicide. Social history
and investigations always prove time-consuming, and
these patients need a great deal of support and help with
their complicated and disturbed inter-relationships.
Social Clubs
The "THURSDAY CLUB" is a psychiatric social
club, which was opened in mid-October, and is run by
the Mental Welfare Officers for discharged patients from
Warley Hospital and for the residents at Collier Lodge
Hostel. Referrals also come from other M.W.O.'s and
Social workers in other agencies. Relatives and friends
are encouraged to attend as well, in order to provide a
balanced group and activities. Those socially isolated because
of their condition, need a great deal of help in
establishing social contact with others and in joining in
club activities.
The average attendance has not been high due to lack
of new referrals and the most successful social gathering
took place on 18th November, 1965, when the attendance
was over 30.
The club is open for other social workers to visit and
liaison with Warley Hospital staff has been established.
ADMISSIONS TO HOSPITALS
The following Table (No. 18) shows the number of admissions
to hospitals during the period 1st April, 1965, to 31st December,
1965.