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The number of those admitted permanently in 1969 was 13
fewer than in 1968, but a larger number were admitted direct from
hospitals (40 compared with 34). Short-stay admissions usually
for two weeks whilst the family was on holiday, increased from
75 in 1968 to 100.
Old People’s Clubs
There are 36 old people’s clubs in the Borough, the majority
of which meet on one or two afternoons each week, and the total
membership of these clubs is approximately 3,500. In addition to
these clubs and to the Day Centres mentioned earlier in this report,
the Romford War Memorial Club own purpose-built premises in
Eastern Road, Romford, which provide facilities equivalent to a
Day Centre. Membership of this club, which is open daily, is
limited to Romford residents only, but there is no restriction on
the number of members who may join. The Havering Council
assist old people’s clubs financially where necessary, all applications
for grants being considered by a panel appointed for
that purpose. Membership of the panel consists of members of the
Social Services Committee and representatives of voluntary organisations
in the Borough connected with old people’s welfare.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Case Work
Apart from their statutory duties, the social workers in the
Department authorised under the 1959 Mental Health Act as mental
welfare officers, carry out social work with patients in their
homes, in hospitals and at hostels. They also maintain close
liaison with the staff in hospitals and hostels, attending group
meetings for sub-normal residents held fortnightly at Westmarsh
Lodge Hostel, the weekly out-patients’ clinic at Harold Wood
Hospital, weekly meetings of the Senior Citizens’ Club at the
Ingrebourne Centre, and twice-weekly after-care sessions at
Warley Hospital, in addition to the monthly case conferences
with the Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Vincenzi, which are held at
Colliei Lodge and Westmarsh Lodge Hostels.
Hospital Admissions
The mental welfare officers dealt with the following admissions
to psychiatric hospitals:-
80