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ill. Efforts are made to meet the social workers at least monthly in
order to assist them in the management of specific problems, although
the planned establishment of four area teams in the new Department
may present difficulties in covering the Borough for such consultations.
However, rationalisation and expansion of hospital responsibilities for
out-patient and day hospital purposes in the foreseeable future, together
with additional consultant sessions for community work, may
cover such increased needs.
Hospital Developments
'As noted in last year's Report, the South West Metropolitan
Regional Hospital Board has commenced simplification of the present
complex arrangements whereby the Borough is served by some four
mental hospitals, two district general hospitals and two hospitals for
mentally handicapped. Thus Springfield Hospital accepted joint responsibility
(with West Park) for the Mitcham area when an acute unit
was opened in Aster Ward on 1st July, 1969, and since 1st July, 1970,
has taken all cases requiring hospital admission from this area including
informal and compulsory categories, as well as patients of all
ages. Closely associated with the Aster Unit is a Day Hospital which
offers most forms of psychiatric treatment, with social, occupational
and group therapy, on a day basis. This is an extremely important
facility in that patients can return to their homes and families at night,
so that family relations are not interrupted as they might be by admission.
Further, there is ready access to Springfield Hospital by
public transport from most parts of the Borough.
'St. George's Hospital, Tooting, at the Grove, which is developing
into one of the largest of the London Teaching Hospitals, has an
extensive Department of Psychiatry under the vigorous leadership of
Professor Arthur Crisp, an international authority. All forms of treatment,
research and teaching are already being provided, and it is
anticipated that a 30-60 bedded in-patient unit will be available in the
foreseeable future at the Grove, to augment the Department's psychiatric
beds at Atkinson Morley's Hospital. This unit will then function
as a prototype for the district general hospital psychiatric unit, as
recommended by the Bonham-Carter Report 1969, and so assist in
the treatment of psychiatric patients within or immediately adjoining
their local community instead of banishing them to remotely situated
hospitals.
'It is expected that eventually all in-patient and day patient
hospital care for the mentally ill of the Borough of Merton will be
provided locally between Springfield and St. George's Hospitals. This
objective includes the concept of special units for the mentally handicapped
of all ages, as well as small purpose-built units for children
and adolescents. It is only by maintaining close links between the
mentally disordered and their families and local community that the
most effective psychiatric service can be provided.
'So far I have commented on the social work and hospital aspects
of the service. It is intended to enlarge upon particular topics in future
reports such as the voluntary health services within the Borough (including
resuscitation of the Merton Association for Mental Health),
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