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Open days were held at the three mental health establishments
run by the local authority, and open evenings were held at the two
social clubs run by the Borough's mental health staff. The Harrow
Society for Mentally Handicapped Children also held an open
afternoon at their Peter Pan Club, which meets every other Saturday
at the Assembly Hall, Rayners Lane.
In addition, Leavesden Hospital was open to the public each
afternoon from Monday, 6th June to Friday, 10th June, and Shenley
Hospital also showed parties of people over the hospital during the
week.
Leaflets were printed giving details of the problems to be faced both
nationally and locally, and also detailing the programme of events for
the Week, which were distributed to the public.
Excellent coverage in the local press was given to the Week which
resulted in numerous enquiries from people and voluntary organisations
offering help and also seeking advice.
Community Care—Mental Illness
The number of patients actually under care on 31st December, 1966
was 388—(see Table I). Table III gives details of the number of cases
dealt with by the social workers from 1st January—31st December, 1966.
Table IV gives details of cases referred during the year.
The Mental Welfare Officers, in addition to their statutory duties
under the Mental Health Act, 1959, also help in the arranging of informal
admissions to hospital, they also give help and advice to patients, relatives
and friends at all times. Close collaboration continues to be maintained
with the doctors and staff of Shenley Psychiatric Hospital, general
practitioners and all other social work agencies. Arrangements were also
made for a number of patients to be admitted to hospital during the
course of the year for short term care in order to give their relatives some
respite and/or to enable them to have a holiday.
Hostels
Tanglewood Hostel—During the year 30 patients were admitted to
this hostel and 30 patients were discharged, of which 15 returned to
hospital, 11 returned home and 4 went to other accommodation. At the
end of the year there were 19 patients in residence. Whilst in previous
years by far the largest number of cases referred for admission have come
from Shenley Hospital, in 1966 just over 50% of the cases were referred by
mental welfare officers and other agencies.
The main criteria for admission continues to be that those patients
referred should be capable of working in the community.