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6o
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Administration
There have been no changes in the general administration of
this section during the year. As in former years the medical officer
of health is in charge. Dr.J.S.Bearcroft, consultant psychiatrist,
Kingston and Long Grove Hospitals, is employed in a consultant capacity
on a part-time basis as well as serving as a co-opted member of the
Health and Welfare Committee. Close liaison exists between the department
and staff of the two hospitals which receive subnormal patients
who are resident in the borough. I am grateful for the help given by
Dr.D.S.Sharpe, acting physician superintendent, Botley's Park Hospital,
and Dr.B.H.Kirman, consultant psychiatrist, Queen Mary's Hospital for
Children, Carshalton, for their help in the assessment and placement
of urgent cases.
Staff Training
Mrs.B.A.Harris, assistant supervisor at the Junior Training
Centre, has been seconded for further training on the course for
teachers of the mentally handicapped, organised by Chiswick Polytechnic.
Mr.J.Dooley, mental health social worker, was seconded for a two year
course in social work which leads to the National Certificate in this
field. The principal mental welfare officer continued to supervise
practical work being carried out by students who have been seconded to
this authority for practical placement from the social work courses
being held at Croydon Technical College and Chiswick Polytechnic.
MENTAL ILLNESS
During the year 586 mentally ill patients were referred to
the department for care and after care. The following table indicates
the sources of referral: