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59
with hospitals and family doctors, and in their function as mental
welfare officers can request a domiciliary visit by a psychiatrist
when appropriate. The active assistance of mental health social
workers was sought in the admission of 112 patients during 1967, but
for only 36 of these was it necessary to use compulsory procedures
under the Mental Health Act 1959. This low incidence of compulsory
admission, which has now been maintained for two years, has been made
possible by early referral, continuity of care and close co-operation
between doctors and social workers. Stable residence is a precondition
of continuity of care, and we are fortunate in this area in
having a very low proportion of transients and temporary residents.
Of the 10 patients in this category who were admitted to hospital from
the borough, but whose homes are elsewhere, 7 were so acutely ill by
the time contact was made that compulsory admission was necessary.

Hostel Accommodation
There is no hostel accommodation in the borough and this has
been provided by arrangement with the Cheshire Foundation, Richmond
Fellowship and Mental After Care Association.