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all catchment hospitals for the mentally ill for mental welfare officers to be called when
statutory action is necessary under the Mental Health Act 1959 on Richmond upon
Thames residents. These arrangements ensure a measure of continuity in the care and
after care of the persons concerned. A separate arrangement exists with Springfield
Hospital whereby the services of a Borough social worker are allocated to the hospital
for three sessions per week, the Council being reimbursed the cost involved. It will be
necessary to review this arrangement in the light of the proposed transfer of services
to Horton Hospital early in 1970.
I would like to thank Dr. A. A. Baker, Medical Superintendent, and the staff of
Banstead Hospital for their co-operation and help since the Borough came into
operation on the 1st April, 1965. My particular thanks are due to Dr. M. Wright,
Consultant Psychiatrist, whose advice and assistance has always been readily available.
It is indeed fortunate that Dr. Wright is transferring to Long Grove Hospital and this
valuable link with the hospital service will, therefore, be maintained.
Miss D. C. Clark commenced duty as Principal Social Work Organiser in April,
1969. In addition to acting as Chief Mental Welfare Officer this post covers responsibility
for the co-ordination of all case work and visiting undertaken by the department's
social workers, in-service training and joint liaison with training organisations. Miss
Clark reports as follows:—
"Case Work.
Following the appointment of the Principal Social Work Organiser the work
of the mental health social workers has become more effectively rationalised. Each
mental health social worker now maintains his or her own case load and is responsible
for the continuing care of each client. This enables the social worker concerned
to establish the necessary relationship with the client in order to help and support.
Supervision and discussion of cases is available for all the mental health social
workers and it is considered that the improved quality of care is of advantage to
the clients.
Training.
Advantage has been taken of the courses run by the London Boroughs Training
Committee. The Senior Mental Welfare Officer attended a residential placement
followed by a day release on the Community Care Course as preparation for
a future Certificate in Social Work Course. Other mental health social workers
attended seminars and case work discussion groups. This exchange of views with
social workers from other disciplines has widened their experience".
The establishment of field staff in the mental health service at the 31st December,
1969, was as follows:—
1 Principal Social Work Organiser.
1 Senior Mental Welfare Officer.
6 Mental Welfare Officers.
1 Senior Social Worker.
3 Social Workers (1 vacant).
During the year mental welfare officers and social workers made a total of 3412
home visits and approximately 359 office interviews were held during the same period.
The total number of mentally ill persons residing in the community at the 31st
December, 1969 and under care was 456, i.e. 162 males and 294 females.
Residential Accommodation for the Mentally III.
At the end of 1969 there were 30 patients for whom the Borough had accepted
financial responsibility in mental after care homes and hostels run by voluntary societies
and other local authorities.
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