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Sessions are held at the majority of the Council's clinics, at day centres, as well as at
the Council's old people's homes and old people's homes run by voluntary organisations.
Where the elderly or handicapped person is unable to attend the clinic, domiciliary
visits are made and 5576 (3709) visits were made in 1970.
There is an increasing demand for chiropody and unfortunately during 1970 not only
was it impossible to recruit full-time chiropodists but at times there was difficulty in obtaining the
services of sessional chiropodists. Every effort is made to give an early appointment to new cases
but there was some delay in follow-up visits as a result of this shortage.
The Care of the Mentally Handicapped
Mental Illness
1. Cases 763 (527) referrals were received from all sources during 1970 and of this
number 351 (236) required in-patient treatment in psychiatric hospitals, 130 (67)
on an informal basis and 221 (182) under statutory procedures.
At 31st December 1970, 247 (148) patients were being supported in the community.
13(7) patients were placed in hostels or voluntary homes outside the Borough
for varying periods during the year and at 31st December 1970 12 were still in
residence.
2. Hostel Gower House Hostel which opened in April 1966 continues to play an
important part in the domiciliary re-settlement of psychiatric patients. The hostel
was well-occupied during the year resulting in 10 (13) admissions and 8 (13) discharges.
At 31st December 1970, 11 persons (10) were in residence at Gower House.
3. Boarding Out Scheme The Boarding Out Scheme is functioning on a very limited
basis; only two flatlets occupied by previous residents from Gower House Hostel are
subject to support under the scheme.
4. London Borough of Sutton Association for Mental Health
This Association, which was formed in 1966 has been very active during the year 1970
and works in close collaboration with the statutory officers of the borough in helping
to give support to the mentally ill living in the community.
The two Social Clubs run by the Association continued to flourish during the year
and meet a great need in providing social activities for those people suffering from
mental depression who would not normally be able to enjoy such facilities. The
Social Clubs are:-
(a) The Woodcote Social Club which meets on Tuesday evenings in the Day Hospital
at 77, Woodcote Road, Wallington. Toe H are very much involved in organising
club activities on behalf of the Association.
(b) The Garden Club which meets on Tuesday afternoons in the Friends Meeting
House, Sutton.
During the year the Association purchased a minibus and this is used to transport
people to and from the social clubs and also takes patients and their families to
hospital. It is also used to take patients and their friends on outings to the sea and
country.
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