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The Mental Welfare Officers, in addition to their statutory duties
under the Mental Health Act and arranging informal admissions to
hospitals, also pay supportive visits to those discharged from Hospital
and help patients to re-adjust to life in the community. To this end, close
collaboration is maintained with the local catchment hospital, general
practitioners, local branch of Department of Health and Social Security,
and also all other social work agencies. A 24 hour service is maintained at
all times and the officers "on call" out of office hours, including weekends
and bank holidays can be contacted via the duty telephonist at Harrow
Hospital.
The psychiatric out-patient clinic 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,
as do mental welfare officers from this Authority.
Hostels
Tanglewood Hostel—During the year 32 patients (16 men and
16 women) were admitted to this hostel which is a large converted house
with extensive grounds and provides accommodation for 27 patients.
During the same period 34 patients (16 men and 18 women) were
discharged. Of these 23, returned to hospital. 7 returned home and 4 went
to other accommodation. At the end of the year there were 24 patients
(11 men and 13 women) in residence.
Of the 32 patients referred for admission, 23 came from Shenley
Hospital, 4 from mental welfare officers and 5 were referred from other
sources.
Patients accepted for the hostel must generally be capable of
working in the community and they are assessed to pay a weekly contribution
towards their maintenance according to their earnings.
Frequent discussions, both formal and informal, continue to take
place between the medical and social work staff of both Shenley Hospital
and this Authority regarding patient's problems and future placement.
The residents had a number of outings arranged for them during
the year and on each occasion were accompanied by staff from the hostel
and some of the mental welfare officers.
Approximately 40 visitors were shown over the premises during the
year.
Non Maintained Hostels
During 1970, 5 patients were placed in hostels run by voluntary
associations as it was felt this would be in their best interests. At the end
of the year there were 5 patients (1 man and 4 women) so placed.