View report page

Supervision.
It will be seen from the above figures that by far the largest
number of the mental defectives in West Ham are under Statutory
Supervision. This arrangement obviously proves to be the most
inexpensive kind of care, and providing the homes are suitable,
is a very efficient method of caring for these patients. The Supervising
Nurse visits all cases at varying intervals, according to the
type of defect, and is able to give considerable assistance to the
parents regarding home training methods. With the exception
of a very small number of cases the visits of the nurse are received
with welcome.
Cuardianship.
There are four women under Guardianship under Order (2
in the care of parents and the others with persons obtained
through the Guardianship Scheme of the Central Association for
Mental Welfare). All of these defectives are quite happy and
are giving no trouble.
In addition to these there are two patients on licence from
Institutions in the care of Guardians, one male and one female.
The male has been on licence since 21st September, 1934, and
the female since 25th April, 1928. Both of these patients have
been fortunate enough to obtain paid employment, the girl having
kept her work since September, 1931. While they are not in
receipt of very high wages, they are doing useful work, and
the fact that they are able to keep a job improves their sense of
responsibility and has a very considerable stabilising effect upon
them.
Colony Accommodation.
The question of providing institutional treatment for all those
defectives requiring this care is still an urgent one. Considerable
discussion regarding the provision of 340 additional beds together
with the necessary administrative and staff buildings at South
Ockendon, has taken place during the year, and it is hoped that
sanction to proceed with the scheme will be received in the near
future. The scheme provides facilities for housing and training
all grades of patients and will comprise:—
Adults' Accommodation—
Males 3 Villa Blocks for 60 patients each.
Females 1 ViEa Block for 60 patients each.
Children's Accommodation—
Males 1 Villa Block for 50 patients each.
Females 1 Villa Block for 50 patients each.
Recreation Hall, Kitchen Block, Boiler House and
Laundry, Male and Female Workshops, Nurses'
Home, Medicat Superintendent's House, 8 Staff
Cottages, and a few Cottages of a smaller type,
and a self-contained Administrative Block.
83