[Report 1960] / Medical Officer of Health, Northampton County Borough.

Mental Disorder (<continued) Guardianship. At the end of 1960, three cases were under Guardianship in accordance with Section 30 of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913. During the year, 18 visits were paid to Guardianship cases. One female was discharged from Guardianship during 1960. Hospital Accommodation. One new case was admitted to the following establishment:— Pewsey Hospital, Wilts. 1 Thirteen cases were urgently awaiting hospital care on 31st December, 1960; these were classed as follows :— MALES FEMALES TOTALS Children under 16 years . . 6 2 8 Adults (over 16 years) .. . 3 2 5 Totals. 9 4 13 These figures relate to the mentally disordered within the community and not to any mentally disordered patients accommodated in St. Crispin Hospital, Duston, Northampton, under the Lunacy and Mental Treatment Acts, 1890—1930, and Mental Health Act, 1959, who should be detained in psychiatric hospitals. At the end of the year, there were 21 cases ( 8 males, 13 females) in this hospital awaiting removal. It is with regret that record has to be made concerning delay in admitting urgent cases to psychiatric hospitals. The above table shews 13 such cases and several of these have been waiting a few years. The Regional Hospital Board is kept aware of this matter by means of a list of urgent cases sent every quarter from this Department. In addition the attention of the Senior Administrative Medical Officer of the Board has been drawn to this waiting list because it will be noted that only one case was admitted from the waiting list during the year. This matter was formally reported by the Health Committee to the Secretary of the Regional Hospital Board. Patients with suitable homes were granted holiday leave at varying times throughout the year. A report on the suitability of the home to which the patient will proceed is usually submitted to the medical super¬ intendent of the hospital where the patient is detained before holiday leave is granted; and 11 reports were submitted during the year. In addition, 108 visits were paid to homes of patients in hospitals. Relatives of patients accommodated in the Pewsey and Borocourt Groups of hospitals find it very difficult, owing to the distance and high cost of travelling, to see them. To help in this difficulty, the Mental Welfare Officers supervise transport arrangements for the relatives. This transport is at reduced cost and is planned to take place at regular intervals.