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in December approval was given to the placement of one patient who was
still resident in Shenley Psychiatric Hospital. Due to the particular
circumstances in this case difficulty was experienced in finding the right
type of accommodation and efforts in this direction were still being made
at the end of the year.
Day Centre for the Elderly Mentally III—These premises
consist of a large house which has been adapted for the reception of
suitable cases on a daily basis, 9.0 a.m. to 5.0 p.m. Mondays to Fridays,
inclusive, with the exception of bank holidays. Both sexes are catered for
and transport is provided to bring them to the centre and return them
home. Occupational therapy and other suitable activities are available.
No charge is made for the facilities provided except for the mid-day meal
which costs l/4d. per day. Cases are admitted at the discretion of the
Supervisor and no hard and fast limits or psychiatric standards have been
laid down. Referrals come mainly from general practitioners, social
workers and hospitals.
During the year 85 patients (40 men and 45 women) were referred for
admission to the Centre. Of this total, 16 were referred by general practitioners,
8 by mental hospitals, 19 by general hospitals, 26 by social
workers, 6 by the Harrow Old Peoples' Welfare and 10 from other sources.
The number of patients discharged from the centre during the year
was 47, of which 14 were admitted to mental hospitals, 5 to general
hospitals, 9 to welfare homes, 6 improved or left the district, 5 refused to
attend after a short time and one patient was discharged on account of
aggressive behaviour. Also, during the same period, 7 patients died.
Fifteen of the patients accepted were admitted from the London
Boroughs of Brent and Barnet.
At the end of the year there were 63 patients on the register (28 men
and 35 women)—10 of these being out-borough cases.
Arrangements were made in 1967 for a chirpodist to visit the centre
regularly to give advice and treatment as necessary.
The pupils of a local grammar school now take an active interest in
the centre and have presented a number of gifts, including potted plants
and pictures.
Approximately 212 visitors were shown over the centre during the
year under review.
Day Centre for the Younger Mentally 111—The younger
mentally ill patients continue to attend the Day Centre at Belton Hall,
Bertie Road, Willesden, which is run by the London Borough of Brent.
During the year 6 patients were referred to this Centre and of these 5 were
actually admitted. The total number of patients from Harrow in attendance
there at the end of 1967 was 5.