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56
Posters and leaflets detailing the programme of events were distributed
throughout the Borough and, as in previous years, the local press gave
excellent coverage.
Community Care—Mental Illness
The number of referrals from all sources during 1968 totalled 714—
see Table IV. The number of patients actually under care at the end of the
year was 613—see Table I. Of these 5 (2 men and 3 women) were addicted
to drugs and 10 (6 men and 4 women) were alcoholics. Table III gives
details of the number of cases dealt with by the social workers during the
year.
The team of mental welfare officers in addition to their statutory
duties under the Mental Health Act 1959, also arrange admissions
informally to hospital when necessary, and close collaboration is maintained
with the catchment hospital, Shenley, as well as general practitioners and
other social work agencies.
A 24-hour service continues to be maintained and officers "on call"
out of office hours, including weekends and bank holidays, are contacted
through the duty telephonist at Harrow Hospital.
A psychiatric out-patient clinic which was started in December 1965
continues to be held on Thursday afternoons at this Authority's Caryl
Thomas Clinic, Headstone Drive, Wealdstone, in association with
Shenley and Harrow Hospitals and at which a psychiatrist and his team of
staff from Shenley Hospital attend.
Hostels
Tanglewood Hostel—This establishment, which was first opened in
February 1964, is a large house, converted to accommodate 27 residents
(11 male and 16 females).
The main criterion for admission is that patients should be capable
of working in the community.
During 1968 two of the twin-bedded rooms on the female side were
converted to make four single bedded rooms.
Frequent discussions take place between the medical and social work
staff of this Authority and Shenley Hospital concerning the residents'
progress, general welfare and future placement.
The number of patients admitted in 1968 totalled 21 (9 men and 12
women) and 19 patients were discharged of whom 6 returned to hospital, 6
returned to their own homes and 7 went to other accommodation.
At the end of the year there were 22 patients in residence.
Approximately 64 visitors were shown over the premises during the
year.