Twentieth annual report of the medical superintendent of the lunatic asylum, for the counties of Salop and Montgomery, and for the borough of Wenlock, 1864 / [Salop and Montgomeryshire Counties Lunatic Asylum].

  • Salop and Montgomeryshire Counties Lunatic Asylum.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Twentieth annual report of the medical superintendent of the lunatic asylum, for the counties of Salop and Montgomery, and for the borough of Wenlock, 1864 / [Salop and Montgomeryshire Counties Lunatic Asylum]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    of constructing a covered verandah, besides the present seats, will as soon as possible be effected. What was suggested at the last visit for rendering more efficient the new and convenient baths, erected in the basements, by suspending a slip of curtain between them, and boarding the flagged floors where the Patients dress, has not yet been done. If there is any objection to the latter course, the difficulty might be obviated by constructing a moveable wooden platform, and we commend this again to the attention of the Committee. The arrangements for recreation, employment, out-door exer¬ cise, and religious worship, continue as formerly, and appear to be properly kept up. There are not more than 10 men, and between 20 and 30 women, who never go beyond the airing courts, and the exceptions to those who are regularly employed, owing to feebleness or want of employment, seem to be between 60 and 70 among the men, and between 70 and 80 among the women. This number might be greatly diminished, if the Farm, which continues to be very profitable, were enlarged. Among the amusements are theatricals, concerts, and readings; and during the present season, dances twice a week, in the front Garden. The Chapel attendances average now quite as many as the Chapel will hold, and would be much more numerous, if there were more space. The Chaplain has altered the Sunday Services to a later hour, which is found more convenient, and he gives Services in both Welsh and English, on Wednesday Evenings. About 200 Patients always attend. Though this Asylum has lost since our last visit, the valued services of its old and excellent Chief Officer, Dr. Oliver, it has been fortunate in the choice of his successor; Mr. Bayley, already by his experience here peculiarly qualified for the duty, has justified in every respect, thus far, the selection of the Committee ; and in his exertions for the welfare of the Inmates, he appears to have in Mr. Davies a very able and attentive Assistant Officer. JOHN POPSTER, S. GASKELL.