SUNNYSIDE MENTAL HOSPITAL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 5

SUNNYSIDE MENTAL HOSPITAL

LAST YEAR’S WORK. \ [Fbom Oum Co*kespovpbnt.] YVULUTNGTON, November 1. The average number of patients in Sunnyside Mental Hospital last year was 752, tlie total fresh admissions being 161. The most promineffit predisposing causes of insanity amongst tbo 161 admitted were senility, heredity, ill-health and war strain. As it is usual to find a low death rate iu one year followed by a high rate in the next, so it proved to be tbo casq in 1920. Of 75 deaths that took place .32 were due to senile, decay, while general paralysis of the insane, tuberculosis and chest troubles were the chief cause of the others. T>r Crosby, in his annual report, on Sunnyside, notes that a good deni of illness was experienced throughout the year, rbore particularly iu the female division. “ An outbreak of influenza at the beginning of the winter was followed by cases of measles among the patients and nurses, continuing until well into the summer. Shortage of* nurses during this time was much felt, so tha r t the fact of the ordinary routine of the institution being kept going with fair efficiency reflects considerable credit on the matron and nursing stafi'. “ On arriving here in May, 1920, I found the ward stock and patients’ clothing in the male division to be in good and sufficient quantity. Tn the female division this was not thb case,” continues Dr Crosby, “ therefore considerable expenditure had to be incurred, which will be reflected by the rise in the maintenance rate for 1920. The interior of the main institution showed the great difficulty experienced during the war in getting ordinary repairs effected. Practically the whole of the male division requires replastering and repainting. ‘‘ On returning to Sunnyside after an absence of sixteen years one'noted with interest the progress and expansion that has taken place in that- time, and one cordially acknowledges the wisdom of one’s predecessors in this connection. Possibly the most vivid contrast to other days is found in the electric lighting of the institution. Farm Avork, out as it- does the best means of curative treatment for those capable of being employed at it, has gone on as heretofore, and the farm returns compare favourably with those of former years I hope it may he soon to build new stables, which are greatly needed, and to complete the drainage system from the cow byres, another very urgent matter. The farm at Templeton is responding conspicuously to the careful treatment and cultivation it has received from the farm manager since its purchase four years ago. This property will prove a most useful and valuable asset to Sunnyside in the near future. , “ Turning to the social life of the institution, this has gone on without interruption. Ministers of nil denominations have been assiduous in holding religious services. The usual institutional recreations have been varied by the visits of several concert parties from town, and when possible small parties of patients have been enabled to attend theatre performances. Coincident with the spirit of restlessness that was in evidence among the general population when the war strain was relaxed mental nursing, the most difficult of all branches of nursing, proved uncongenial to many junior members of the staff and resignations were frequent by senior members. However, with men and women of experience, and with interest and enthusiasm for their w'ork, the institution has bet?n well served.”