NELSON LUNATIC ASYLUM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 167, 16 July 1874, Page 2

NELSON LUNATIC ASYLUM.

Dr Paley's loug expected report on the Lunatic Asylums of The Colony has at last been published. From that on the Nelson establishment we make the following extracts: — At fhe tima of my visit there were 45 patients on the roll, viz. 30 miles and 15 females. Ten of the men were engaged in gardening, wood-cutting, and helping in the general work of the house. One t_an was secluded ou account of his dangerous and destructive tendencies; cne was confioed to bed by general paralysis; and the rest were exercising in a small enclosed yard, where there was nothing to interest or amuse them. Of the 15 females, four were occupied by household duties; two (idiots, subject to epilepsy) were shut in a small yard, from which I was told they were never taken except to the rooms in which they slept. The remainder of the women were without occupation of any kind. With the exceptions above stated, the patients were io bodily health, and, for the most part, sufficiently nent and clean in dress and person. Making allowance for defects attributable tothe numercial insufficiency of the staff, and to the faulty construction of the building, the establishment was in a tolerably satisfactory condition. I feel it my duty, however, to offer the following observations and suggestions respecting the asylum. Tbe buildings, in ray opinion, are altogether inadequate to tha safe keeping and proper treatment of insane persons. Originally designed for a totally different purpose, additions have been made from time to time under pressing necessities, but these having formed no part of a well-devised general plan, are in nearly every respect wauting in the essential characters of a hospital for the insane. After very careful examination and consideration, I would advise thm no further outlay be made on the existing buildings, except for such repairs as may be absolutely and urgently neceesary to preserve them in a temporarily habitable condition. I» place of the present structure, I would recommend that a new Asylum bo built on elevated ground behind the old site, and that as much land be secured in . its immediate vicinity as will give ample space for airing courts, gardens, and pleasure grounds, for tbe recreation and employment of the patients, as well as pasturage for one or two horses and some cows for the service of the establishment. Nothing more conduces to the health and happiness of insane persons, who haye been used to agricultural life, then regular work on a small asylum farm. In many cases the employment is curative in its agency, whilst it has this additional recommendation, that under judicious management it materially contributes towards the maintenance of the institution. The followiug was the strength of the resident staff at tbe time of my visit:-— 1 keeper, who ia also general manager; 1 matron, who is also general housekeeper and cook; 3 mule assistants, and 1 female assistant. I was further told that no systematic provision was made for watching the patients or premises by nigbt. It is highly desirable to make arrangements for supplying this deffici.ncy without delay, partly with a view to the proper care of epileptic aud feeble patients, who need attention in the night as well as in the day. but chiefly to protect tbe inmates from the fearful consequences which mnst ensue if a fire were to take place at a time when they were locked within their rooms and no one was on the alert. I think a man in addition to the present staff should be specially employed for night duty. He should move through tha male division, and round the outside of the female divisions, at frequent intervals. His movements should be checked by means of tell tale clocks placed at suitable points, and he should have very exact instructions as to the course of bis proceedings in case of fire. With regard to the female staff, I would suggest that two additional assistants be appointed who shall assist the matron as occasion may require in the care of the patients, and in the general domestic duties of the houee. It is wrong in principle, and utterly objectionable iv practice, to employ male assistants in the management of excited insane women. If suitable female assistants were selected, of ages between twenty-five and thirty-five years, tbete wouid be no need for them to seek assistance from the male staff unless under very rare and exceptional circumstances.