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61
One of the ways in which practical help is given to relatives is in
making appointments for patients to see the Dental Officer at Leavesden
Hospital as difficulty is sometimes experienced in obtaining the service of
dentists in the community. In 1969 54 such appointments were made.
Admissions to Hospital—During the year, 17 patients were admitted to
hospital for permanent care and only 7 of these were formal admissions.
The number of patients awaiting a hospital bed at the end of the
year was 5. Of these 1 was considered not to be in urgent need of admission.
Guardianship—Informal Foster Care—This Authority has no cases
placed under guardianship and informal placements continue to be made
wherever possible. As Harrow has as yet no hostel, although one is included
in the Health and Welfare Development Plan, it is necessary to place patients
who, for one reason or another require residential care in either homes
run by voluntary societies such as the Brighton Guardianship Society,
private foster homes or hostels maintained by other local health authorities.
A total of 5 patients were so placed during 1969.
At the end of the year, the number of cases placed under informal
foster care was 44 (23 males and 21 females).
All homes used by the Authority were visited during the year by the
Principal Medical Officer, Mental Health, and found to be satisfactory.
Temporary Care—Some 47 requests were received from relatives for
arrangements to be made for patients to receive short term care to enable
them to go away on holiday and/or have some respite from their responsibilities.
Accordingly, 26 were placed in hospitals, the remainder in private
homes or hostels.
Harrow Junior Training School—This establishment is housed in
purpose built premises and caters for mentally handicapped children
between the ages of 2-16 years. The total number of children on the
register at the end of 1969 was 114. This figure included 10 children from
neighbouring authorities.
Coach transport is provided to take the children to and from the
school during term times and classes are held from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Monday to Friday inclusive and the usual primary school holidays are
observed.
The main building consists of three classrooms for senior, intermediate
and junior children. There are also two nursery classes, a special
care unit which caters for children with dual handicaps (mental and
physical) and an assessment unit of two classrooms which caters for
children between the ages of two to six who are recommended for a period
of observation, assessment and basic training before proceeding to either
the junior training school or other educational establishment.