Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1953, to 4th July, 1954 / [Louis Minski].

  • Minski, Louis.
Date:
[1954?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1953, to 4th July, 1954 / [Louis Minski]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    This figure is only nine less than in the previous year and it is hoped that on the present number of the beds that the number has become static. At one time the admission rate was in the region of 1500-1600 per annum but it is unfair on the patient to sacrifice treatment in order to have a high admission rate. This number is probably the optimum with the present complement of medical staff and means that there is a turnover on the beds of approximately three times in the year. The waiting list for both men and women shows considerable variations, at times being from six to eight weeks in duration, whilst at others patients can be admitted almost at once. The average wait is probably from two to three weeks, although whenever possible urgent cases are admitted at once. In piy opinion the demand for treatment in neurosis centres where there are no legal formalities is greater than the supply in spite of the S.W. Metro¬ politan Regional Board having opened four units on these lines in mental hospitals in the Region. Male Female Total Civilian patients 469 639 1108 Social Rehabilitation Unit patients 105 2 107 Ministry of Pensions patients 108 3 111 Service patients 13 i 14 695 645 1340 As in previous years the admissions and discharges have kept pace. DEATHS Two patients died from natural causes during the year, while one patient committed suicide while in hospital and another while on leave. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ETC. During the past year the work in the Occupational Therapy department has continued on much the same lines as in the previous year. Although the majority of patients prefer to work in a group of their own sex a certain number make better progress in a mixed class. Because of this the department is divided into four sections, viz. male, female, mixed and pottery (which is also mixed). The pottery shop has become increasingly popular, so much so that a second potters wheel has been obtained, and gives scope for the creatively minded. The use of clay is considered of therapeutic value in the working out of fantasies and repressions and patients are given free scope in using this medium. Other crafts in use are leatherv/ork, basketry, weaving, rug making, toy and lampshade making, stool seating, marquetry, embroidery, dressmaking, jewellery and pewter work. The most favoured craft is basketry which calls for careful attention, a certain amount of physical activity and yields quick satisfying results. With the increase of female patients an additional occupational therapist