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The total number of visits made by the Duly Authorised Officers in connection with
mental illness was 567.
In a number of cases where no statutory action was taken arrangements were made, with
the consent of the patients' doctors, for patients to attend the Psychiatric Clinic for
treatment.
Mental Deficiency.
Ascertainment. The number of mental defectives ascertained during the year was 24
(9 males and 15 females). Of these, 19 cases (8 males and 11 females) were reported by the
local education authority, 2 cases (1 male and 1 female) reported through the Courts and 3
females reported from other sources including 1 case admitted to an institution under
Section 9. Twenty patients (9 males and 11 females) were placed under statutory supervision
and 4 females were admitted to institutions.
In addition to the above 5 other cases were reported but had not been examined at the
end of the year.
Supervision. At the end of the year there were 315 defectives (170 males and 145
females) under statutory supervision, 2 cases under voluntary supervision, and 10 patients
(5 males and 5 females) on licence from institutions. These cases are visited by the Duly
Authorised Officers at approximately quarterly intervals, or more frequently if necessary.
Special cases are referred to the Council's Psychiatric Social Worker.
In addition, the officers visit a number of pre-care and after-care cases, i.e.,
border line cases and those discharged from Orders, who although not subject to the
provisions of the Act may need advice or assistance.
Parents and guardians are advised on matters relating to the defective and in the
majority of cases the visits of the officers are welcomed. A large number of the defectives
are in fairly regular work and are self-supporting. Others who are capable of working but
find difficulty in obtaining it are referred to the local Disablement Rehabilitation Officer,
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