Report of the medical officers of the Lunatic Asylum for the County of Lancaster : instituted 28th July 1816 1849.

  • Lancaster County Lunatic Asylum.
Date:
1849
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the medical officers of the Lunatic Asylum for the County of Lancaster : instituted 28th July 1816 1849. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    day rooms and sleeping rooms) as well as the galleries, were clean, well ventilated, and in excellent order. We did not perceive a single room, whatever might be the class of patients resident in it, in which there'was any offensive smell; and we had occasion repeatedly to remark the scrupulous cleanliness that prevailed throughout the whole of the establishment. “ Since the last visit of the Commissioners^ on the 13th of Sep¬ tember last, there have 224 patients been admitted into the Asylum, of whom 71 were in bad or feeble health at the time of admission. During the same period there appear to have been 112 discharges and 60 deaths, 14 of these being caused by diseased brain, 3 by epilepsy, 14 by consumption, and 8 being preceded by general paralysis. “We are glad to observe that considerable progress has been made towards providing suitable offices for this large Institution. A bakehouse and a brewhouse have been completed, and are now in use; and a lofty and extensive kitchen, with various adjoining conveniences, for the preparation and distribution of food; and a laundry and a washhouse, each of spacious dimensions, with various other offices, are in a very forward state. “ On going through the Establishment, we observed, with pleasure, that the conduct of the attendants towards the patients was marked by gentleness and patience. Much praise is due to the matron for the condition of the female wards; and the state of the whole Establishment reflects the highest credit on the attention, skill, and judgment of Mr. Gaskell. “ There is nothing new to report on the subject of amusements, employment, or religious services; and the dietary remains the same as heretofore, except that during the winter season an addi¬ tional quantity of animal food is given to the patients. (Signed,) “ B. W. PROCTER. T. TURNER.” In conclusion, it may be mentioned that all the officers of the Institution are animated with a desire to promote in every way the best interests of the establishment, and that a cheerfulness and alacrity is observable throughout, indicating a determination not to be thwarted by difficulties in a faithful discharge of onerous duties. EDWD. D. DE VITRE, M. D. JOHN BROADHURST, Surgeon and Superintendent* County Lunatic Asylum, July, 1849.