MENTAL DISEASES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22714, 28 April 1937, Page 14

MENTAL DISEASES

INCREASE IN DOMINION CRITICISM OF HOSPITALS The steady increase in mental diseases in New Zealand in recent years was mentioned by Dr. Gordon Short in an address to members of the People's Health Society. He quoted from the Year Book figures showing that in eight years the number of patients in New Zealand mental hospitals had increased from 5673 to 7687, a rise of more than 35 per cent. Various causes of insanity and the relation between physical and mental disease were explained by Dr. Short. He said that although mental diseases had existed in all ages, they were largelv a result of civilisation, and with the increasing complexity of _ modern life, the rush and bustle of cities and the noise and vibration of modern traffic, more and more people broke down and became mentally sick. . The importance of early treatment in cases of mental sickness was emphasised by Dr. Short. He said such patients could rarely be treated satisfactorily in their own homes, and needed to be cared for in an institution or hospital. Special treatment of various kinds was necessary in many cases. Admiration for the medical officers and attendants was expressed by Dr. Short, but he said much of their work was done under great disadvantages. While there were excellent institutions at Tokanui and Kingseat, the buildings of most of the mental hospitals were unsuitable and out of date. The speaker expressed the opinion that they were all under-staffed,, and that the medical officers were inadequately paid, considering their great responsibility. At Kingseat mental hospital there was only one doctor in charge of 600 patients. Special hospitals or suitable wards in public hospitals for early and mild cases of mental disease were advocated by Dr. Short. He referred to the facilities provided in some of the great hospitals in London and other cities.