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The clinics in the various public hospitals in the area have been conducted as formerly. Dr. Hay, my Deputy Superintendent, twice a month conducted a clinic in Kew Hospital in Invercargill, as well as acting in a consultive capa city at Balclutha and Gore Hospitals. I visited Dunedin Hospital at least twice weekly, and the provision of a clinic for servicemen and ex-servicemen necessitated a whole day's attendance on one of these days. An increasing number of patients have been seen at Oamaru Hospital, where I attend -once a month. It is fitting that I should put on record my thanks to a number of people who have been so helpful to this hospital and the patients. Mrs. R. E. S. Reeves and Mr. A. Steven, the Official Visitors, have visited consistently, and not only have they shown a keen and kindly interest in the patients, but also they have shown a sympathetic understanding of our present difficulties. The relationship between this hospital and Dunedin Hospital, with its associated Medical School, has been most cordial, and I am •deeply grateful for the help I have received from many members of their staffs. In particular, I would like to acknowledge my indebtedness to Professors D'Ath and Hercus, Dr. Watt, of the Medical School, and to Dr. Thomson, of the hospital; the latter's help with cardiological and x-ray examinations has been invaluable. Mr. Falconer's work in the performance of leucotomies has already been mentioned, and my -appreciation of his work should go on record. The depleted condition of the nursing staff is well known and its cause and possible remedy do not form a part of this report, but I must put on record the sterling work which has been done by that core of psychiatric nurses and attendants who stood by this hospital during this and the previous war years. To them and the Matrons and Head Attendants I can only express my admiration. The Chief Clerk, Mr. Sloane, has had as arduous a time as any other member of the staff because of existing conditions, and I have to thank him and the other members of his department. In March Dr. C. S. Moore joined the medical staff after service in the field and speedily proved himself an acquisition. In August Dr. Hay, my deputy, was seconded for duty at Hokitika Mental Hospital, and he has not yet returned. Dr. Cameron is at present •carrying on his duties. I wish to record my appreciation of the ungrudging work and loyal co-operation of these medical men.

Table I.—Showing the Admissions, Readmissions, Discharges, and Deaths in Mental Hospitals during the Year 1945 M. 3?. T. In mental hospitals, Ist January, 1945 .. .. .. .. 4,411 3,952 8,363 M. F. T. Admitted for the first time .. .. 557 581 1,118 \ aKn ■, Readmitted .. .. .. ..100 154 254/ a ° Total under care during the year .. .. 5,068 4,667 9,735 Discharged and died —- Recovered .. .. .. 165 295 460 Not recovered .. .. .. 106 118 224 Died .. .. .. .. 327 320 647 598 733 1,331 (Not including transfers : Males, 134 ; females, 133.) Remaining in mental hospitals, 31st December, 1945 .. .. 4,470 3,934 8,404 Decrease on 31st December, 1944 .. .. .. ~ .. 18 Increase on 31st December, 1944 .. .. .. .. 59 .. 41 Average number resident during the year .. .. .. 4,229 3,689 7,918

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