MENTAL PATIENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20387, 16 October 1929, Page 15

MENTAL PATIENTS.

WARD FOR OBSERVATION*

THE QUESTION OF COST. *|

AUCKLAND BOARD'S ATTITUDE,

The opening of a special ward at tha Auckland Hospital for the observation of mental patients who were not deemed to classify for immediate admission to a mental hospital was again discussed at a meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board yesterday. The board recently refused to agree to tho establishment of such a ward, the question being reopened yester- " day in a letter from the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health. The Minister expressed his regret- that tho board had decided against tho scheme, as it would result in the postponement of the inauguration of a much-needed service. 'i'iie board appeared to bo under a misapprehension as to tho department's request. There was no desire that tho board should assume responsibility for tho ward. The Minister said ho was nob in favour of mental patients receiving treatment in general hospitals, but where there was a reasonable doubt concerning,-' a person's condition, primary observation could be carried out in a general hospital. The chairman, Mr. W. Wallace, said lie was not opposed to a half-way house, a form of institution which he considered very desirable. However, there was already a home in Auckland in which mental patients could be received with their consent. The board' should not agree to the department's latest proposal, as it would place further financial burdens on the board. It was already carrying quite enough expense. Were the ward opened it was possible the same thing would occur as followed upon the establishment/ of a certain clinic at the hospital at the department's suggestion and at its cost.' Gradually the expense had been thrust on the board until it bore it entirely.' The Rev. W. C. Wood said the suggestion was a good one and that' good us® could be made of a ward such as was proposed. He had met with cases that should be sent to a special ward for observation, instead of being committed a mental hospital, and the factfthat they were so committed tended to militate • against their recovery. He suggested it might be wise for the board io adopt a more non-committal attitude. There was an impression among many that tho board was unsympathetic. " I think there is a growing need for an institution of the kind, but I want to see that the board is not saddled with the responsibility," said tho chairman.

It was decided that the chairman and Mr. E. H. Potter should interview the Director-General of Health on the question.