MENTAL HOSPITALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 August 1930, Page 8

MENTAL HOSPITALS.

j Statistics in regard to mental hospitals j for the last financial year are somewhat j encouraging. Admissions of patients showed only a slight increase and there were indications that the clinics at general hospitals are having a good effect in reducing the number of patients requiring mental hospital treatment. Of the 6348 persons who were under cave at the mental hospitals 255 were voluntary boarders. This was a reduction of 32 in that class of patient as compared with the previous year and the DirectorGeneral considers the reduction has been j brought about by the advice and treatment given to patients in the early B stages of their troubles by the clinics at the general hospitals. Of the voluntary boarders received at the special instu tutions last year, 88 per cent, were cured and discharged within a period of 12 months —further proof that if mental disorder receives attention in the early stages recovery is quite as probable as from physical ailments. Last year 956 persons became patients, and of these 21.25 per cent, were admitted on the voluntary basis. During that period 518 patients and voluntary boarders were discharged as recovered, which was .42-6 per cent, calculated upon the admissions. Of those committed to mental hospitals the percentage of recovery was 30.23, and as in such cases the disease is often well established before they enter the hospital the ratio of recoveries is by no means discouraging. It looks as though the benefits of the new method of classification and separation of patients in different degrees of illness were becoming apparent. Instead of the oldfashioned large block of buildings with locked doors and almost the atmosphere of a penitentiary, the modem mental hospital consists of a series , of pleasant quarters set amidst charming surroundings, in the care of which patients often find just the occupation and interest that helps them to recovery. Vigilance on the part of the hospital staff is as keen as ever, but is main-fp'-nq in a way that .is Unobtrusive and is designed to assist patients to help themselves towards recovery as much as possible. As with other diseases, the chances of recovery from mental disorders are greater if early expert attention is given, and the linking up of clinics at general hospitals with the special institutions is proving effective in the treatment of incipient cases. As time crocs on and finances will permit the abolition of the old barrack-like hospitals will he brought about, and with the new methods of treatment will come fuller recognition that mental disorders are not something in the nature of a disgrace but are merely a pathological condition requiring treatment as soon as possible.