Integration of psychiatric services discussed

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33189, 31 March 1973, Page 9

Integration of psychiatric services discussed

The integration of psychiatric services with other general hospital services I was discussed at some ; length by the North Can- | terbury Hospital Board ' this week. It was finally agreed that the matter be referred to the mental health committee for fur- ' ther consideration. The subject was raised by Mr H. A. Clark, who asked when the board was going to adopt as a policy the integration of services. “What do we really think about it, and how far are we prepared to go,” he said. “It is time now that the board adopted some policy.” Mr Clark said it was his view that the treatment of psychiatric patients be on the same terms as physically sick persons, and that such treatment was quite practical. The medical superinteni dent-in-chief (Dr L. McH. Berry) said that before psychiatric hospitals were taken over by hospital boards last year, he had asked the medical superintendent of Sunnyside Hospital (Dr T. E. Hall) to form a psychiatric advisor,’ committee to report on both long-term and shortterm psychiatric services.

The committee was working, but unfortunately various matters had held up progress. However, a report: would be made to him in due course, and he in turn would report to the board, Dr Berry said. It would be unwise to do anything in any case until a professor of psychological medicine had been appointed 1 and his views obtained. Dr Berry said that large psychiatric hospitals would never be built again: but he had heard nothing of rumours Mr Clark had said were circulating about the Labour Government halting major building projects at psychiatric hospitals. The chief executive (Mr J. G. Laurenson) said that the rumours were quite unknown to him and his staff. As far as Sunnyside Hospital was concerned, a number of villas were being built, an engineering workshop was being planned, and approval had been given to appoint an architect to plan new kitchens. There was also discussion under way for the demolition of part of the old “baronial half,” but a report on this was awaited from Dr Hall.