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DEATHS
There were 4 deaths during the year as follows:—
1. Coronary thrombosis.
2. Status epilepticus.
3. Cardiac, failure, hypostatic pneumonia.
4. Encephalitis lethargica.
EMPLOYMENT
All the ambulant patients, who are physically able, do
various jobs and make themselves generally useful in and around
the hospital wards, departments and grounds.
The Handicrafts Department Tor the female patients was
busily employed during the year and much useful work was
done. The patients engaged in this department are under the
supervision of Mrs. Cattaneo, Acting Handicrafts Instructress.
The Brush-making shop and Boot-repairing shop also usefully
occupy several of the male mental defective and epileptic
patients. Mr. Connor, Male Handicrafts Instructor, and Mr.
Harman, Bootmaker Instructor, are responsible for the work
done and the supervision of the patients engaged therein.
RECREATION
As much recreation is allowed the patients at Forest Gate
Hospital as the facilities permit.
Many of the patients are given periodical and seasonal
leave at the request of responsible relatives and they undoubtedly
benefit by the change.
The showing of talking pictures was resumed, at the end
of the year, after a break during the war period, and this treat
is much appreciated by the patients.
As a conclusion to this report I would like to thank all
members of the Staff at Forest Gate Hospital, who by their
co-operation and close working, have contributed to the wellbeing
of the patients during the year 1945. I must in this
connection specially mention the Nursing Staff of the Maternity
Unit, upon whom the major portion of the work fell. My
thanks are also due to the Matron, Acting Steward, and
Engineer, for their help and co-operation, and to my medical
colleagues, Dr. Helen Mayer and Dr. R. Murphy. Due
acknowledgement must be made of the invaluable services of
Mr. J. V. O'Sullivan, Consultant Obstretician, and also to Mr.
C. Berry Pitts, visiting Dental Surgeon, and Dr. G. Somerville,
visiting Psychiatrist.
I wish also to pay tribute to the Chaplains for their
ministrations to the patients.
I have also to acknowledge the assistance I received from
the Medical Officer of Health, the ready 'help and co-operation
at all times of the staff of his Department, and to the Chairman
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