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(b) The Medical Officer of Health and the Deputy Medical Officer of
Health, and part-time services of three Assistant Medical
Officers who have received special training, are employed in
this work. The Mental Health Department comprises a Senior
Clerk who is also Petitions Officer, five Duly Authorised
Officers, and some clerical assistance from the general office.
There is no Psychiatric Social Worker. The work, however, is
Integrated with the Child Guidance Clinic where -
Two part-time psychiatrists
Two Psychiatric Social Workers
Two Educational Psychologists
One Play Therapist (or Child Therapist)
are employed
(c) Co-ordination with Regional Hospital Boards and Hospital Management
Committees is not very strong in certain aspects. Admission
of defectives to institutions should be easier when
specifically requested by the Medical Officer of Health. It
should not be necessary to wait long periods for admission when
home conditions have become intolerable. It is now difficult
to obtain short term admissions to give parents a little respite
or for other reasons.
(d) No visiting of defectives under Guardianship or on Licence is
undertaken on our behalf by voluntary bodies. Some help is
given with holiday placements and care of defectives and in
finding employment for suitable individuals.
(e) Staff are seconded for training at appropriate courses as and
when opportunity offers.
(ii) Account of work undertaken in the community.
(a) l. The medical staff, the superintendent nursing officer, the
duly authorised officers, and health visitors combine to
& educate, encourage, help, advise and guide individuals and
families in mental health.
2. Mothers with young babies are taught right attitudes towards
recognized or potential defective infants, and all are seen
by me at least twice a year.
3. Close contact is maintained with the Association of Parents
of Backward Children.
Parents are encouraged to visit the Mental Deficiency
Occupation Centre and take part in 'sale of work' days,
outings and parties.
4. A Mental Health After-Care Club known as the Park View
Therapeutic Social Club is run by the Council. The
members are either ex-mental hospital patients recommended
admission by the hospital psychiatrists or persons attending
as out-patients to psychiatric clinics. The senior clerk
to the mental health section and the duly authorised
officers attend the meetings of the club regularly, and
socials, dances, 'brains trusts', and other activities help
to reintroduce many of these men and women to normal
community living.
(c) Under the Mental Deficiency Acts, 1913-38:-
(1) Arrangements are made for -
1. Close observation from birth as outlined above.
2. Special examination on entry to school with aid of child
guidance clinic team.