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KINGSEAT MENTAL HOSPITAL Dr. Tothill reports : I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 1945. The total number of cases under care during the year was 974 with a weekly average of 798. Admissions numbered 167, of whom 56 were committed patients, 29 voluntary boarders, and 82 transfers from other institutions, mainly the Auckland Mental Hospital. The relatively high voluntary boarder admission rate shows an increased confidence in seeking treatment. Discharges numbered 44, 19 being committed patients and 25 voluntary boarders. In addition, 12 patients were transferred to other mental hospitals. A total of 46 deaths occurred, senility and circulatory diseases being the main causes. The weekly clinic at the Auckland Public Hospital has greatly increased, and many servicemen were given treatment. Consultations reached 840, with 171 initial examinations. Reports have been made on juvenile delinquents referred from the Children's Court and subsequent child guidance given when necessary. Several people have visited Kingseat Hospital for consultation and psycho-therapy as out-patients. The bulk transfer of patients has resulted in some overcrowding, and in several villas a day-room has had to be utilized to provide additional accommodation. As many of the older female patients have become too feeble to negotiate the stairs of the villas, an infirm dormitory has been created out of a day-room, and the vacated dormitory used for occupational therapy. It is hoped that single-storied infirm villas will be erected as soon as the building programme permits. In addition to the usual maintenance, the fire-fighting service has been improved, permanent water-mains extended, and more equipment installed in the sterilizing-rooms. The internal roading system is being tar-sealed in sections. Lawns have been laid down, and more trees planted in the orchard. The water-supply has been augmented by the installation of a pumping-station. A steam-boiler at the cow-byres now enables all cans to be sterilized. The vegetable-shed has been concreted and the gardens extended. Many thousands of shelter trees have been planted. A telephone has been installed in the nurses' home and wooden beds substituted for iron bedsteads. It is proposed to furnish the sun-room with suitable furniture. The Country Library Service is providing reading material at regular intervals. Concrete footpaths and coal-sheds have added to the amenities at the staff cottages. The occupational department has made steady progress, but accommodation is limited, more especially since day-rooms were converted into dormitories. Patients have enjoyed visits to the pictures, picnics, fishing expeditions, and bowling tournaments. Cricket, hockey, and tennis have been popular throughout the year. Until a* recreation hall is provided, dances and picture shows for the patients cannot be held. Throughout the war a shortage of staff has prevailed in spite of every effort by the Man-power authorities. The distance of this hospital from Auckland and the expense in travelling are likely to hinder the recruitment of staff, though the provision of indoor recreational facilities will no doubt have some beneficial effect. Since the last report Dr. Crawshaw has replaced Dr. Howie. Mr. Fowlie, who had been at this hospital since its inception, died in 1944. He devoted his life to its development, and nobody could have given more loyal service. To the visiting clergy, Official Visitor, hospital auxiliary, and ladies who conducted the arts and crafts classes I tender my sincere thanks. The nursing staff has worked long hours without complaint and deserve the highest praise for services well done.

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