Occupational therapy celebrates 40 years

Press, 21 October 1987, Page 4

Occupational therapy celebrates 40 years

By

CHRISTOPHER MOORE

The occupational therapy staff at Sunnyside Hospital is this week celebrating a milestone in the history of occupational therapy services in Canterbury. While the celebrations are low key, the fortieth anniversary of the appointment of the first trained occupational therapist to the Sunnyside Hospital staff in 1947 remains a significant date — the beginning of a new era and a new attitude towards a branch of health care once regarded as an unscientific frill. The first official establishment to include occu-

pational therapy was Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Spring. The convalescent hospital for returned servicemen launched a programme of craft activities for patients during World War I. In 1987, Sunnyside Hospital's 12 full-time registered occupational therapists and 26 staff continue to expand and develop new concepts in occupational therapy programmes. The fledgling has become a partner in the treatment, care and assessment of psychiatric patients. When the Sunnyside Asylum opened its doors to 14 selected patients

from the Lyttelton Jail in 1863, occupational therapy was unknown; During the first 40 years of the hospital’s existence, a regime of hard work to support the hospital was considered a central feature of psychiatric medicine.

All physically able and mobile patients were expected to become involved. The concept of work gangs continued until 1966, when the scheme was finally phased out In psychiatric hospitals throughout New Zealand, occupational therapy was left in the hands of women’s voluntary organisations who visited hospitals to teach patients a variety of handicrafts. Nursing staff were also encouraged to teach patients skills. Hospital farms, gardens and laundries also employed a large number of patients. In 1940, the first qualified occupational therapist was appointed by the New Zealand Mental Hospitals Department Seven years later, Sunnyside’s own occupational therapist joined the hospital staff to work with groups of 30 or more patients.

For Sunnyside, it was the beginning of a new era in patient care. Occupational therapists worked in isolation with little liaison with nursing and medical staff. Occupational therapy was still largely craft-orientated, providing a range of projects including basket-

work, rug making and woodwork. Patients also unravelled socks, using the wool to make ties and scarves.

Occupational therapy for male patients was established initially, followed by programmes for women patients.

The 1950 s and 1960 s saw a gradual development of the department with the introduction of group therapy and industrial therapy. Occupational therapy was gradually extended to include self-awareness, communication and socialising programmes.

Occupational therapy has travelled a long road since work gangs and unravelling woollen socks. In 1987, programmes are designed to stimulate the individual and encourage a sense of independence and self esteem.

It is a two way process, which allows the patient to benefit and allows the therapist to gain insight into individuals* characters and abilities.

. “The occupational therapist selects activities which enables the individual to explore, practice, learn and adopt responses and behaviour,” according to a recent paper.

The fortieth anniversary celebrations at Sunnyside will provide staff with the opportunity to reflect on 40 years of development, and look forward to new directions and techniques which will continue to open windows for many New Zealanders.