View report page

THE CARE OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
During the two years covered by this report the establishment of the Mental
Health Section has increased and now has an effective strength of 9 officers
one officer on secondment for training.
Mental Illness
527 referrals were received from all sources during 1968 and of this
number 236 patients required inpatient treatment in psychiatric hospitals; 67
being admitted on an informal basis and 169 under statutory procedures. This
compared with 613 referrals received during 1969, whom 296 patients required
inpatient treatment; 114 being admitted on an informal basis and 182 under
statutory procedures.
At 31st December 1968 148 patients were being supported in the community
and at 31st December 1969 the number being similarly supported was 216.
Hostel
Gower House Hostel has been reasonably well occupied during the two years
covered by this report and the position during each year was as follows:
1968 - Admissions 15 Discharges 17 In residence at 31st December 1968 10
1969 - Admissions 13 Discharges 13 In residence at 31st December 1969 10
7 patients were in residence in hostels or voluntary homes outside the
Borough at 31st December 1968 and this number increased to 12 by 31st December 1969.
Boarding Out Scheme
The boarding out scheme continues to be disappointing. No further
progress has been made during the two years covered by this report and only
two flatlets which are occupied by previous residents from Gower House Hostel
represent the sum total of this venture. Officers are ever watchful to find
landladies interested enough to participate in the scheme and it is hoped that
progress will be made.
Social Club
The social club run by the Sutton Association for Mental Health continues
to meet every Tuesday at the Day Centre, 77 Woodcote Road, Wallington, from
8.00 - 10.00 p.m. The Chairman, Secretary and voluntary helpers provide a
varied programme and attendance at the club remained fairly steady throughout
the last two years.
Subnormality
Subnormal children over 5 years of age and adults capable of receiving
day training attended various training centres within and outside the Borough
during the years 1968 and 1969 as follows:-
- 65 -