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(Figures in brackets are those as at 31st December, 1967).
Close co-operation was maintained with the hospitals providing psychiatric cover
for the Borough. Mental Welfare Officers attended hospital conferences twice a week
at Banstead and Springfield Hospitals. The arrangement entered into with Springfield
Hospital Management Committee for the services of a Borough Social Worker to be
allocated to Springfield Hospital for three sessions per week has been in operation since
January, 1968. The Council is reimbursed the cost involved. The joint use of a social
worker in a hospital/ community setting is most beneficial in the continuity of care for
the mentally ill.
It is with deep regret that I report the death on 9th October, 1968, of Mr. B. F. F.
Radford, Chief Mental Welfare Officer.
It became evident during the year that the number of field staff would need to be
increased to cope with the considerable volume of after-care work concerned with the
mentally disordered in the community. Towards the end of the year, the post of Chief
Mental Welfare Officer was deleted from the establishment and the duties of this post
were included in the terms of reference of a new post that of Principal Social Work
Organiser. The Principal Social Work Organiser's other duties cover responsibility for
the co-ordination of all case work and visiting undertaken by the department's social
workers and the supervision of m-service training and joint liaison with training
organisations.
During the year one mental welfare officer and two social workers were recruited
within the approved establishment.
One Mental Welfare Officer successfully completed a two year course of study
for the certificate in social work.
The establishment of field staff in the mental health service at 31st December, 1968,
was as follows: —
1 Principal Social Work Organiser (New post — vacant).
1 Senior Mental Welfare Officer.
6 Mental Welfare Officers.
1 Senior Social Worker.
3 Social Workers (1 vacant).
From the 1st January, 1968 until 31st December, 1968 mental welfare officers and
social workers made a total of 3320 (1930) home visits and approximately 311 (274)
office interviews were held during the same period.
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