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One case, a boy of 11 years of age, was discharged from Institution
to the care of his parents, and the Order for Detention
allowed to lapse.
During the year 111 suspected cases of mental deficiency
were dealt with, eight of whom were deemed to be of too high a
grade to be certified as mentally defective. These eight cases are
kept in touch with by the Supervising Nurse and their progress
noted.
Of the total number of cases on the register, 341 are under
Statutory Supervision in their own home. These cases are visited
at frequent intervals by the Nurse, and any change in their circumstances
reported to me for any action that may be deemed necessary.
Only one case is under Guardianship under Order, but two
others on licence from institutions in the care of Guardians (all
of whom are girls). These latter two cases have been under this
care for some considerable time—one since April, 1928, and the
other since January, 1929. Both are doing quite well.
The first portion of the Colony at South Ockendon, namely 3
villa blocks to accommodate approximately 135 patients and the
necessary staff, has matured during the year. It was originally
intended that two of these villas should be utilised for patients (60
in each block), and the third to accommodate the staff. This
arrangement however was not approved by the Board of Control
on the grounds that such methods would not allow sufficient scope
for proper classification of sexes and age. It was finally agreed
that one block should be used for 44 male adults and the male
nursing staff, another block for 40 juvenile males, and the third
for 30 adult females and 20 juvenile females. The female nursing
staff and domestic staff will also be accommodated in these last
two villas. The accommodation provided is intended to allow
the West Ham and East Ham cases who are already detained in
the London County Council institutions to be removed, and for
the urgent cases awaiting vacancies to be admitted. It is hoped
that there may be sufficient beds available to ease to some extent
the appalling overcrowding in the Forest Gate Hospital.
The buildings were commenced in April, 1930, and construction
sufficiently advanced by the end of March, 1932, for furniture
and equipment to be put in hand. The official opening of
these villas was held on the 5th May, 1932, and the necessary
formalities regarding the transfer of patients commenced.
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