London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Richmond upon Thames 1969

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]

This page requires JavaScript

Day Centre for the Mentally Ill.
The day centre for the mentally ill at the Council's hostel at 11 Rosslyn Road,
Twickenham, continued to function on two afternoons per week. Whereas the organisation
and running of the centre was under the supervision of various mental health
social workers it became evident during the year that there was a need for a centre
organiser It also became apparent that it is necessary to provide transport for certain
members who because of their mental or physical incapacity are unable to travel on
public transport. At the end of the year consideration was being given to the appointment
of a centre organiser who would co-ordinate all matters relating to the running
of the day centre.
The functions of the day centre included a visit to the West End lights and a
Christmas Party was again organised by the Twickenham and District Mental Health
Association. This latter function was particularly successful and was attended by 35
members My thanks are extended to Mrs. D. M. Collie and the Committee of the
Twickenham and District Mental Health Association for the continued interest shown
in this field.
The use of voluntary workers was particularly helpful in the running of the centre
especially with the occupational therapy activities. The purchase of a modern sewing
machine was welcomed by the female members attending the centre.
Community Care of the Subnormal and Severely Subnormal.
The total number of subnormal and severely subnormal persons under community
care at the end of 1969 was 223 compared with 237 in 1968. This does not include
those patients placed in residential accommodation under Guardianship and informal
foster care arrangements.
The birth of a handicapped child means a crisis situation in a family. There will
be a family doctor and there may be specialist help so that the role of the Health
Department can be seen as supportive and co-ordinating.
In the early days, through the health visitor, later through the medical officer and
social worker the needs of a particular family may be assessed and, as far as possible,
met. There must be close liaison so that there will be a continuation of help without
undue overlap according to the varying situations and altered circumstances.
This can be achieved through home visits and private interviews and also by
attendance at counselling clinics, where small groups of parents of handicapped children
meet to discuss their difficulties with a senior medical officer, health visitors, social
workers, etc. (See page 50).

Referrals to the Mental Health Service.

During 1969 the following referrals were received:—

SubnormalSeverely SubnormalTotal
Over 16Under 16Over 16Under 16
MFMFMFMF
Referrals under Section 57 (as amended) Education Act, 1944
Referrals of educationally subnormal children requiring supervision after leaving school22
Referrals from other sources46315221
Total66315223