VOLUNTARY BOARDERS.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1292, 12 September 1922, Page 8

VOLUNTARY BOARDERS.

AT THE MENTAL. HOSPITALS. That anybody should become a voluntary boarder at a mental hospital may appear strange to some. Dr Frank Hay, Inspector General, in his report to the Minister, states: “There is a growing opinion in England favourable to treatment in rate supported institutions of less pronounced and unconfirmed cases of mental disorder as voluntary boarders. Our experience is not unfavourable. Since the introduction of the principle of the 1911 Act, each year has shown an advance in the number of persons so placing themselves under treatment. Carried over from 1920 were 86, and during 1921, 104 were admitted, making a total number under the case during the year of 190. That number has included examples of mental disorder ranging from many incipient to a few fairly advanced, yet capable of comprehending what the procedure entailed. There has been also persons 'labouring under neurasthenia, senility and organic brain disease needing nursing, care and medical treatment. It is noteworthy that five boarders only, representing 2.63 per cent of the total number under care, showed mental disease in degree sufficiently pronounced and sustained to render it improper for them to continue as voluntary boarders, and they had to be transferred to the register of patients. The discharges numbered 80, and six died, leaving at the end of the year 99. The daily average of voluntary boarders was 91.”