Psychiatric Services

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28260, 24 April 1957, Page 3

Psychiatric Services

Sir, —So far your correspondent “Paul” has not fallen in with my suggestion that he should secure information on the work of the Hanmer Hospital from the controlling authority, the Health Department. Nor has he accepted my offer to let him have my ad-

dress. Also, he has completely ignored several excellent letters from other correspondents. “Paul,” who, on his own admission, has never been through the hospital, has a fixed idea that it is an easy refuge from life’s slings and arrows, as he puts it. I can only say that I never found it so, but the discipline and re-educa-tion I went through there certainly enabled me to face more squarely up to life. I do not know what your correspondent’s purpose is in apparently seeking to discredit this internationally known government institution. Perhaps he will tell your readers frankly why he initiated the correspondence.—Yours, etc., April 22, 1957.

Sir, —The trend in the United Kingdom is for an increasing number of general hospitals to incorporate in themselves units such as the Hanmer Hospital. The latest, reported in the “British Medical Journal” for November 24, 1956, is the Newcastle General Hospital, where a new 54-bed unit in one, two, and four-bed wards was opened on November 3, 1956. forming the new Department of Psychological Medicine. Approval by physicians was signalled in that the opening was performed by Sir Russell Brain, the president of the Royal College of Physicians, London. “Paul’s” attitude of stopping short at simply urging self-control upon psychiatric casualties is a common mistake among the uninformed. The article in your issue today, headed “Recognition of Mental Disorders as; Illness,” should help him.—Yours, etc., JOB. April 22, 1957.

Sir, —“Paul” is certainly correct in his statement, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” This applies to himself, not the Minister of Health. Does he sincerely think one willingly goes through the stresses and conflicts of this illness, that one gives in and leaves for a time families, friends, and employment just to seek refuge in “luxury and comparative idleness?” To write this displays not only ignorance but a profound lack of understanding of his neighbours. The number of persons who have been helped through their time of need and who have returned to complete and useful lives in the community surely proves this hospital’s worth beyond doubt. When a similar institution can be built in the North Island and the psychiatric services of this country increased the more fortunate New Zealand and her people will be. —Yours, etc., EAST. April 23, 1957.

Sir, —Surely “Paul” could not write in such a manner except in ignorance and with, a complete lack of human understanding. If he knew his subject he would realise he is not dealing with people who cannot—or will not —make the necessary effort at self-control, but he may find himself “bogged down” by a state of affairs which is preparing citizens with a deeper and lasting understanding of human nature and its failings, as well as the spirit of people making an intelligent effort to equip themselves to deal with daily life competently. How can man or woman who has learnt this lesson from life prove a burden? Do we not need more tolerance and understanding if we are to live in harmony and not be* continually preparing to defend ourselves from our neighbours?— Yours, etc., REGISTERED NURSE—AI.SO A PATIENT. April 23, 1957.