ANNUAL REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1937, Page 5

ANNUAL REPORT

ON MENTAL" HOSPITALS,

WELLINGTON. September 16. The total number of persons on the registers of the mental hospitals of the Dominion on December 51 last w«s 8216, including 46 patients and boarders at Ashburn Hall and 631 patients and boarders who were out on probation with relatives and friends. There were 7539 persons in actual residence in State institutions, an increase of 249 over the corresponding figure for 1935. Of this number '7210 were inmates under reception orders, the remainder being voluntary boarders. First admissions, including voluntary boarders, totalled 1145, an increase of 71, and 267 former inmates were readmitted. Discharged patients and boarders numbered 719. or 50.92 per cent calculated on admission ; but of that number only 386, or 27.34 per cent, could statutorily be entered as having recovered. Reference is made in the department’s annual report to the very considerable improvement which has been effected in ivsvvnrmodation by the carrying out of an extensive building programme. The deficiency in accommodation was reduced from 935 to 614 beds.

Tn liis report the Director-General of Mental Hospitals. Dr T. H. Gray, expresses his satisfaction with the villa system of accommodating patient's. Their establishment, he says, has definitely opened a new and happier chapter in the treatment of the mentally afflicted.

Capital expenditure on new buildings, additions, and improvements during the year amounted to £142.108, the report states. The principal items were incurred at the following institutions :

Auckland 841 Kingseat ... ... 65.191 Tnknnui ... ... 18,839 Porirua ... .. 6,5 L 0 Nc/awlmtu ... ... 16.218 Hokitika 7.579 Christchurch • 23.971 Scad iff ... ... 2,958