General report of the Royal Hospitals of Bridewell and Bethlem, and of the King Edward's Schools, for the year ending 31st December, 1861 : printed for use of the governors / Bridewell Royal Hospital and Bethlem Royal Hospital.

  • Bridewell Royal Hospital.
Date:
[1862]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: General report of the Royal Hospitals of Bridewell and Bethlem, and of the King Edward's Schools, for the year ending 31st December, 1861 : printed for use of the governors / Bridewell Royal Hospital and Bethlem Royal Hospital. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    39/76 (page 37)
    of air. Many of the patients on the permanent list are young, and full of physical health and vigour, neverthe¬ less, their mental condition is such, that entire freedom from the moral discipline of an asylum would be attended with danger to themselves and their families. They are happy and contented with all that is so charitably pro¬ vided for them, but still, as year after year rolls on, and spring and summer suggests, each in its turn to their minds, thoughts of country or seaside, a sorrow—not surprising, steals over their hearts, and they cannot help lamenting that to them, the returning season brings no change of scene, or participation in the joys looked forward to by those who, resident in London, are perhaps best calculated to appreciate them. It has been thought that an arrangement might be made by which this additional boon could be offered to some of our convalescent patients, and a provision and advantage, certainly more than commensurate with the outlay, might be obtained, which, while adding greatly to the numerous existing benefits offered by this noble Charity, would increase its usefulness, and well mark its philanthropy. It is a subject that has occupied my attention for a long time, and therefore I could not lose this opportunity of bringing it before the Governors, confident that the suggestion will receive the kind reception and considera¬ tion which I am sensible for ten years has never been denied me, and for which my sincere interest in the Hospital must be my loudest thanks. I leave the recom¬ mendation in your hands, with every certainty that, if practicable and prudent, it will be acted upon.