London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bromley 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]
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59
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Sara Syrop, m.d.(warsaw), d.p.h., d.c.h„ d.t.m. &h.,
Senior Medical Officer
H. J. Vagg, a.r.s.h., a.i.s.w., Principal Mental Welfare Officer
It would be valid to compare year 1967 to year 1966 only,
the latter being the first full calendar year in the service's existence.
The lay-out of this report follows on the previous one as closely
as possible so that the reader can evaluate for himself the analysis
and comments made 12 months ago.
TABLE I
CASES IN COMMUNITY CARE SUPERVISED BY THE MENTAL HEALTH SECTION IN 1967 (Corresponding numbers for 1966 in brackets)
| Mental Illness | Elderly Mentally Infirm | Psychopathic Disorder | Sub-normality | Severe Sub-normality | Totals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Referrals | 296(259) | 26(29) | 7(1) | 72(114) | 24(18) | 425(421) |
| Total Cases 31.12.1967 | 328(313) | 27(40) | 2(1) | 317(292) | 180(183) | 854(829) |
The upward trend has continued for all types of mental disorder
with the exception of elderly mentally infirm. This category
is perhaps the worst defined and the small number involved would
make speculations as to the reason for the decline unprofitable.
MENTAL HEALTH SECTION STAFF
General Comments
Recruitment continued within the limits imposed by financial
stringency; and the policy of appointing only academically qualified
persons, or those considered capable of so qualifying was
strictly adhered to. The list of mental health social workers by
post and qualification is given on page 62.
The division into three areas each with the office situated at:
11 Homefield Rise, Orpington.
17 Palace Grove, Bromley.
69 Croydon Road, Penge, S.E.20.
with the Senior Mental Welfare Officer in charge, has continued,
and so has the duty roster providing round the clock service,
weekends and public holidays included.
Because of the sheer size of the Borough and inadequate
public transport from the southern 20 square miles of the Borough,
much thought is given in connection with the projected move of