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Many difficulties are met in the carrying out of this duty,
as in many cases the parents either refuse to recognise their child's
mental condition or endeavour to hide the fact. These cases are
specially visited by the supervising nurse, who usually succeeds
in overcoming the scruples of the parents and persuading them to
carry out the advice given.
The types of cases dealt with are as follows —
(a) Feeble-minded persons. Included in this grade there
were 21 males and 19 females, of whom 3 males were admitted into
institutions. With regard to their physical condition, 2 males were
epileptic, and one male and one female were paralysed.
(b) Imbeciles . These numbered 11 males and 7 females, of
whom one female was admitted to an institution. Regarding their
physical condition, one male was paralysed, one male and one
female suffered from epilepsy.
(c) Moral defectives . One moral defective—a male—was
dealt with during the year. He was physically sound and was
admitted to an institution.
(d) Licence. During the year 7 patients (2 males and 5
females) were granted licence, 2 females were recalled from licence,
and one female was discharged. One of the cases was recalled to
the institution at the request of the mother and the other because
she had been found to be pregnant.
There are 33 cases—22 males and 11 females—on licence, of
whom 17—12 males and 3 females—are residing within the
borough. The remaining 16—10 males and 6 females—are placed
in private homes outside the borough. The latter cases were
placed outside the borough because they had no suitable home in
West Ham. Among the cases on licence, 13—11 males and
2 females—are in regular employment and making good progress.
The others are behaving quite well and giving no trouble.
Supervision. On 31st December, 1937, there were 508
patients under supervision at home. In addition there
were 17 patients — 12 males and 5 females — on licence
from institutions and residing within the borough. These
cases are visited at varying intervals by the visiting
nurse according to the circumstances of the individual
case. The parents are advised as to the best methods
of training and caring for the patient, and endeavours are made
to assist him in every possible way. Since a large number of cases
have to be visited, very little time can be given.to individuals, but
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