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56
All mental health social workers are authorised to act as
mental welfare officers under the Mental Health Act, 1959, and can
request a domiciliary visit by a psychiatrist when acting in that
capacity.
MENTAL ILLNESS
Admissions to Hospital
The dual role of the mental health social worker has resulted
in a ready co-operation between hospitals, local authority and general
practitioners. As anticipated in last year's report, it has led to a
marked reduction in compulsory admissions, particularly so in the case
of emergency admissions. Responsibility for admissions from Kingston
Hospital is shared between Brookwood Hospital, Surrey, taking patients
from the Surbiton area, and Long Grove Hospital, admitting patients from
the remainder of the borough. The social worker acts in liaison with
the doctor and psychiatrist and works in a supportive and reassuring
role with the patient and the family, in situations which are sometimes
delicate and often unpredictable. The excellent co-operation between
the doctors and social workers, and access to appropriate out-patient
clinics by social workers has considerably reduced the number of acute
emergency admissions, and many patients referred for compulsory
admissions have entered hospital informally. During 1966 mental health
social workers were asked to arrange for the admission of 107 patients
whom it was thought would require compulsory measures. After discussion
with mental health social workers, 68 of these patients agreed to enter
hospital informally.

1965 figures are shown for comparison.
Hostel Accommodation
There is no hostel accommodation in the borough, and this
has been provided by arrangement with the Cheshire Foundation, Richmond