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MENTAL DEFICIENCY ACTS. On the 31st December,
1947, the number of patients subject to the provisions of
the above Act on the books of Forest Gate Hospital was 11
(9 adult males and 2 adult females). (One of the adult
males was on licence in the care of a married sister).
ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES during the year
Nil.
DEATHS. 4 (all adult females) died during the year.
The cause of death in these cases was:—
1. W. V. D., 28 years: Congenital Debility from
Microcephaly and Acute Suppurative BronchoPneumonia.
2. V. F. J. E., 53 years: Acute Suppurative BronchoPneumonia.
3. E. McD., 46 years: Lobar Pneumonia, associated
with Mitral Stenosis and Aortic incompetence (healed
Rheumatic Endocarditis).
4. I. R., 32 years: Hypostatic Pneumonia, due to
Chronic Congenital Hydrocephalus.
All these deaths were reported to the Coroner, in accordance
with the regulations of the Mental Deficiency Acts, and
a post-mortem was conducted in each case by Dr. Keith
Simpson, pathologist, but the Coroner deemed an inquest
to be unnecessary, as death in each case was due to natural
causes.
VISIT OF COMMISSIONER OF BOARD OF CONTROL.
On the 5th December, 1947, Miss M. Macfarlane paid a
statutory visit to Forest Gate Hospital.
LUNACY ACTS, 1890 (SECTION 24). Twenty-two
patients (17 males and 5 females) were subject to the provisions
of this Act.
EMPLOYMENT. There was no change in the employment
of patients during the year. All the ambulant patients
who are physically able, do odd jobs and make themselves
generally useful in the several departments, wards, grounds
and farmlands, under supervision of the staff.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT. As much
recreation is allowed the patients at Forest Gate Hospital as
the limited facilities permit. Two or three times each week
road walks and shopping expeditions are arranged, and the
patients look forward to these outings.
Many of the patients are given periodical leave at the
request of responsible relatives, and appear to appreciate this
privilege.
The weekly picture show during the winter months was
appreciated, as were other concerts and entertainments
arranged for them during the year.
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