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The total number of visits made by the Duly Authorised Officers in connection
with mental illness was 541.
Mental Deficiency.
Ascertainment. The ascertainment of defectives in the area, subject to be
dealt with under the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, is mainly the responsibility of the
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, assisted, when necessary, by the Chief Assistant
School Medical Officer. Both of these officers, in addition to the Medical Officer of
Health, are approved by the local health authority for this purpose.
The number of defectives ascertained during 1952 was 36 (20 males and l6 females).
Of these,32 cases (18 males and 14 females) were reported by the local education
authority, one female reported through the Courts and the remaining 3 cases (2 males and
1 female) from other sources. Thirty one patients (18 males and 13 females) were placed
under statutory supervision and five (2 males and 3 females) were recommended for
institutional care. Of the latter it was possible to arrange for one admission only.
In addition to the above five other cases were reported of which four had not
been examined at the end of the year and one was found not to be defective.
Supervision. At 31st December, 1952, there were 322 defectives (177 males and
145 females) under statutory supervision, 2 cases under voluntary supervision and 18
patients (10 males and 8 females) on licence from institutions. These cases are visited
by the Duly Authorised Officers at quarterly intervals, or more frequently, if necessary.
Special cases are referred to the Psychiatric Social Worker.
In addition, the officers pay friendly visits to a number of cases, who although
not subject to the provisions of the Act, may need advice or assistance.
The majority of parents welcome the visits of the officers, and readily accept
their advice on matters relating to the defective. Cases who are fit for employment and
find difficulty in obtaining it are referred to the local Disablement Rehabilitation
Officers who are most helpful in placing the defectives in suitable work. During the
year 1952 the officers made 1,983 visits to mental defectives as follows:-
Cases under statutory supervision 1,445
Cases on licence from institutions 115
Reports for licence, holidays, etc., 4l
Reports for Visitors 93
"Friendly" visits, etc., 289
1,983
In September, 1952, the Minister of Health approved the amendment of the Council's
Proposals for the Prevention of Illness, Care and After-Care to provide short term care
elsewhere than at home of mental defectives in cases where it was urgently needed.
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