John Straffen - Mental Health

Mental Health

In 1951 Straffen was examined at a Bristol hospital, where electroencephalograph readings showed that he had suffered "wide and severe damage to the cerebral cortex, probably from an attack of encephalitis in India before the age of six". By now, however, Straffen was considered sufficiently rehabilitated to be allowed a period of unescorted home leave. He used the time to get a job at a market garden, which he was allowed to keep; Hortham licensed him to the care of his mother as the family home was less overcrowded. When Straffen's 21st birthday came, under the Mental Deficiency Act he had to be reassessed by Hortham, who continued his certificate for a further five years; the family disputed the assessment and appealed. As a result the Medical Officer of Health for Bath examined Straffen again on 10 July 1951 and found improvement in mental age to 10; he recommended that Straffen's certificate be renewed only for six months with a view to discharge at the end.