First annual report, for 1865 / Newcastle-upon-Tyne Borough Pauper Lunatic Asylum.

  • Newcastle-upon-Tyne Borough Pauper Lunatic Asylum.
Date:
1866
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: First annual report, for 1865 / Newcastle-upon-Tyne Borough Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    1ST early the same number are taken beyond the premises for exercise, and 2 men go out unattended on their parole. With regard to the performance of Divine Service, it appears that a Chaplain has been appointed, at a salary of £25 per annum, but as his other clerical duties occupy the whole of his time on Sunday, prayers, of necessity, are read by Dr. Browne on that day, and the Church Service is only given on Wednesday. From 12 to 15 of the inmates, however, are taken to the Parish Church. It would of course be unwise to incur any but the most ne¬ cessary expense upon the improvement of these premises, some few judicious changes have been made, and the wards were in very fair condition. The furniture which has been obtained is all of a suitable description, and the bedding throughout of excellent quality. The wards were clean, but all the dormitories, and more espe¬ cially on the women’s side, were much over-crowded, and some means should, if possible, be adopted to diminish this evil. It seems to us, that, at a trifling expense, the three unoccupied rooms in the women’s yard might be thrown into one, or connec¬ ted together by openings, and by changes, similar to those in the house-keeper’s apartment, be rendered suitable for the use of pa¬ tients. The personal staff consists of Dr. J. C. Browne and the follow¬ ing officers :— A clerk and steward acting also as head attendant, at a salary of £60 ; a matron and house-keeper, salary £25 : Five male at¬ tendants, at wages from £25 to £30 ; four nurses, at wages from £12 to £16, and a tailor who is paid 10s. weekly, with board, &c. The weekly charge has hitherto been’ 14s. The dietry is liberal, and we are glad to find that beer is given to all daily. Rules for the management of the asylum, are, we understand, in preparation, and will shortly be submitted for the approval of the Secretary of State. Great credit is due to Dr. Browne for his exertions in bringing the establishment into its present efficient state, a task of great difficulty, owing to the very defective nature of the premises. Having been informed by Dr. Browne that, with a view of pro¬ viding some additional accommodation pending the erection oi the new asylum, some improvements and enlargements were in progress at the farm buildings upon the estate, we visited the spot.