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90
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
by S. F. Meyer, M.B., B.Ch., D.P.H., Principal Medical Officer
Mental Welfare The Senior Mental Officers and the three Mental Welfare
Officers Officers have built up and maintained a most adequate service
of after-care. However, due to a shortage of Psychiatric Social
Workers in the Department, all are carrying an excessive
load as is shown in the table in Appendix 26. Provision was
made for a total of five Mental Welfare Oifficers in the establishment
operative from 1st April 1965 all of which were filled,
and consideration is being given to the creation of a further
post for next year.
Psychiatric The original establishment was five posts of Psychiatric
Social Workers Social Worker to be appointed jointly with the local Hospital
Management Committee. None of these posts have been filled
and Council agreed to up-grade three of the posts to the Senior
grade and to allow that in the remaining two posts either a
Psychiatric Social Worker or a trainee may be recruited. A
Trainee Psychiatric Social Worker was appointed and is at
present attending the one year full-time Mental Health Diploma
Course at the London School of Economics.
Junior Training Two trainee Supervisors have been appointed, one of whom
Centre has been successful in obtaining a place on the two year
Diploma Course at the Chiswick Polytechnic commencing in
September 1966.
In addition an Assistant Supervisor (Unqualified) has
applied to attend a one year course organised by the National
Association of Mental Health.
A further post was created of Welfare Attendant/Coach
Guide. Duties include attendance at the Special Care Unit.
Adult Training A new Assistant Supervisor post (female) was created to
Centre permit senior girls to be admitted to this Centre. This was
successfully filled in September 1965.
One member of the staff has applied to attend the one
year Diploma Course organised by the National Association
of Mental Health.
Activities at the Training Centres
Junior Training In view of the inadequate facilities at the present further
Centre training Centre, plans were started immediately for a new 105