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During the year 1937, 78 patients—28 males and 50
females—were certified under the Lunacy Acts (Section 24),
2 female patients were removed under this Act, one died from
carcinoma of the stomach, and one was discharged to the care of
her son.
Employment. All the patients are usefully employed in a
suitable form of occupation therapy. During the year a daily
average number of 42 patients worked at the morning session and
72 in the afternoon session in the female handicraft centre at
such occupations as needlework (including fancy needlework), rugmaking,
ward linen mending. There were also 14 female patients
working under supervision in the laundry, and a further number
engaged in various forms of ward work.
The male patients, numbering approximately 98, were
employed in such occupations as boot repairing, brush making,
gardening, stores duties, and general cleaning work under the
supervision of the head male attendant.
Great difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable form
of occupation for the low grade imbeciles.
An average daily number of 24 children attended the school
for mental defectives attached to the hospital.
Recreation. Scout and guide troops have been in existence
at Forest Gate Hospital for a number of years. Great interest is
shown in these organisations, which stimulate physical exercises
and games in the evenings. The scouts had their usual annual
camp at Hatfield Broad Oak, and the guides had their camp at
Battle, Sussex. Both camps were thoroughly enjoyed, and as the
weather was excellent the patients who were privileged to
attend the camps returned bronzed and much benefitted by their
holiday. Both camps were visited by the Chairman and Members
of the Public Assistance Committee.
A special word of praise is due to the matron (Mrs. E. M.
Usherwood), Mr. Rendell (head male attendant), and Mr.
Stanton (barber attendant), for their work and interest during
the year in connection with the guide and scout troops.
The hospital has a brass band which was formed several
years ago. This affords an excellent hobby for an average of 16
male patients, including 3 certified under the Mental Deficiency
Acts, and 7 members of the male staff, during the year. The band
is highly successful, and attends the annual outings of the male
and female patients of the hospital and the outings of the patients
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