Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1951, to 4th July, 1952 / [Louis Minski].

  • Minski, Louis.
Date:
[1952?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1951, to 4th July, 1952 / [Louis Minski]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    As before, arrangements have been made for the care of children while the mother was in hospital, and if possible arrangements -are made for the child to be looked after at home rather than in a residential nursery, as the emotional disturbance connected with the latter is great and may add to the patient’s difficulties when she leaves hospital. The usual office routine dealing with pension queries, financial difficulties, legal aid, etc., has been carried out, while home visits, follow-up visits, place¬ ment in convalescent homes, etc., have been undertaken. MALE SIDE. Miss Edwards, who was a social worker on the male side, left in January 1952 to take up a post with the National Association of Mental Health. Miss Wood was appointed in her place and is ably filling the vacancy. The usual enquiries in connection with pensions. National Insurance, and other financial problems have been dealt with, while another difficult and frequent problem is the question of clothing. Even though the National Assistance Board can make grants towards clothing, the problem would be almost insoluble without the help of service organisations in the case of the ex-Service patient. The Red Cross, S.S.A.F.A. and the Regimental Associations have all been most generous in their assistance, while the ex-Services Welfare Society are most helpful both in regard to money grants and other enquiries, especially pensions. The “ Lest We Forget Association ” and “ Not Forgotten Association ” continue to arrange outings and parties for ex-Service patients, which last year included coach visits to Wimbledon for the Tennis, visits to races, days at the seaside, etc. These are naturally greatly appreciated by the patients. The usual home visits have been paid, social histories obtained and convalescence arranged. An interesting development on the part of the male patients is to use the social workers to discuss in detail the application of the insight and information they have gained during treatment and to obtain the “ feminine point of view ” in relation to their wives’ reactions to their illnesses. The liaison with the D,R.G. continues, while in some cases the social workers have obtained employment directly for patients where their type of occupation has been considered unsuitable for the normal channels of the Employment Exchange. On both the male and female sides, the social workers co-operate with the medical staff in research where social problems, follow-up, etc., are important parts of the research being undertaken. Finally, I wish to thank once more the Chairman and Members of the Hospital Management Committee for their continued help and co-operation in these difficult times and also the officers and members of the Regional Hospital Board. To my medical and lay colleagues in the hospital I extend my grateful thanks for their loyal support and help during the year. LOUIS MINSKI, M.D., F.R.C.P., Physician Superintendent.