Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
This page requires JavaScript
Licence.
Leave of absence on trial has been granted to eight patients
during the year, and only two were recalled. One because he
ran away from home, and the other because he quarrelled with
his brothers and resented any supervision and control. His
behaviour upset his mother so much that her health began to
suffer. The rest have settled down very well and appear to be
happy and well cared for.
South Ockendon Colony.
The Matron Superintendent (Miss W. S. Butler) reports:—
The number of patients on the books is 138, of which
55 are mates over 16 years
34 are females over 16 years
30 are males under 16 years
19 are females under 16 years.
Rowans Block (Male, 44 beds) has a total of 55 patients,
2 of which are under 16. Four of this total are on licence and,
owing to lack of space, 7 sleep in Limes at night.
These patients are classified into two groups, viz., 30 high
grade, 25 low grade.
Limes Block (Boys, 40 beds) has a total of thirty patients,
two of which are over sixteen. Three of this total are at present
on licence.
Elms Block (Female, 50 beds) has a total of 53 patients,
34 over 16 and 19 under. Three of this total are on licence.
The patients in Limes and Elms are graded into three groups
irrespective of age and size.
Movements. These were as follows:—Admissions: 10 males,
3 females. Discharges: 1 male to Brentwood Mental Hospital;
2 females to Cell Barnes Colony. Deaths: 1 male whilst on
licence at Whipps Cross Hospital.
Leave. Licence was granted as follows:—Summer Holidays,
36; Christmas Holidays, 37; 48 Hours, 4; With Parents, 10.
Health. I have to report one case of Pneumonia in a lad
over 16 who made a good recovery, and one case of Rubella. Also
one case of acute Nephritis sent to Whipps Cross Hospital, where
this patient died. Otherwise the health of the Colony has been
excellent.
Employment. Great progress has been made in all branches
of employment, notably in the Carpentry section for the boys, and
the fancy needlework for the girls. We experience no trouble in
disposing of the work produced.
Work for the male adults is allocated as follows:—
84