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2. Liaison with Schools- by the virtue of the Psychologist's dual role in the schools
psychological service and the Child Guidance Clinic, it has been possible to maintain a very
close liaison with individual schools. This has led to an increasing number of requests
for information and advice directly from the Clinic and on certain occasions the Psychologist
has been invited to schools to discuss with the staff the nature and function of the Clinic.
It must be pointed out that as the interest of the schools increases, there is danger that
the Clinic will not have the facilities to deal with the increase in referrals.
A further consequence of the Psychologist's dual role is that he has been able to
represent the Clinic's point of view in discussions in the Education Department.
PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER'S INTERVIEWS
These showed a slight decrease on the 1958 figures, partly because of Miss Sykes'
departure at the end of November, and partly because Miss Sykes was seconded one session a
week to St. Mary's Hospital Psychiatric Out Patient Department, and also to attend sessions
of the special "development clinic" In connection with the Maternal and Child Welfare Department.
DIAGNOSTIC WAITING LIST AND CASES CLOSED
Towards the end of the year, when it was known that Dr. Kahn would take up the permanent
appointment in January, i960, many were brought to a close, so that as few active cases as
possible were left open for transfer. This meant that more time was given to treatment and
less time for diagnosis. The diagnostic waiting list has therefore risen sharply, but
this should be only a temporary phase.
CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN EDUCATION AND HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Early in 1959, a series of regular informal meetings between Mr. Openshaw, The Chief
Education Officer, Dr. Dennison, the Principal School Medical Officer, and the Clinic staff,
took place at the Child Guidance Clinic. These meetings have proved to be of great value,
as a number of policy and administrative matters could be talked out fully by all concerned,
and practical means of co-ordinating the service In terms of Education and Health Department
needs could be worked out.
CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER SERVICES, VISITS, ETC.
As in earlier years, the close working links with the Health Visitors and School
Nurses, with all branches of the Education Department, with the Juvenile Courts and Probation
services, with the Children's Department and with the Occupation Centre, with the Paediatric
services and with General Practitioners and the many voluntary societies, have been maintained.
The Clinic staff is much indebted to all those who have co-operated with them in
some of the very difficult and complex xases referred. Two visits have been made by groups
of D.C.H. students during the year, a visit was paid by the Clinic staff to discuss their
work with the nursing staff at Goodmayes Hospital, and two members of the staff spoke at
a lunch hour meeting of the West Ham Social Workers' Group.
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