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THE CARE OF THE MMTALLY HANDICAPPED
Mental Illness
During the year 305 referrals were received by the Mental
Health Section from various sources. Of this number, 129 patients
required in-patient treatment in Psychiatric Hospitals, 23 being
admitted on an informal basis and 106 under statutory procedures as
follows :-
Section 25 24
" 26 6
" 29 76
In addition a substantial number of enquiries and interviews connected
with mental illness and mental subnormality have been attended to
at the Town Hall.
Mental Welfare Officers are on call to render assistance
outside normal office hours at night and week ends and for emergency
rota duty a link has been maintained with the neighbouring Borough of
Merton. This arrangement operates very satisfactorily and will
continue. The number of calls received which necessitated emergency
action to arrange hospital admission averaged 3 per week during the
past year. The co-operation of Sutton Police is an important factor
in maintaining an adequate emergency service and this is much
appreciated.
Included in the total number of referrals were 123 specifically
referred for community care. Of this number, 86 referrals were made
directly to the Senior Psychiatric Social Worker from the following
sources:
Psychiatric Hospitals 34
Day Hospital 1
General Practitioners 14
Children1s Department 8
School Health Service 1
Social Welfare Officers 5
Health Visitors 8
Other Authorities 5
Self Referrals 5
Other Sources 5
At 31st December 1966, 24 of the above patients and their
families were receiving continuing after-care and of the remaining 62 :-
8 entered hospital
2 were admitted to Gower House Hostel
8 left the district
30 received short-term community care
4 were treated in Day Hospitals
7 were referred to other agencies
3 refused after-care.
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