Fourth annual report : for the year 1898 / Sunderland Borough Asylum.

  • Sunderland Borough Asylum.
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Fourth annual report : for the year 1898 / Sunderland Borough Asylum. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/56 (page 11)
    It is gratifying to know that the objects for which they have been built have been fully realized. A most desirable improve¬ ment has also been effected by the removal of the airing-court railings, which, to my mind, were a constant suggestion of a prison. It has been amply demonstrated that such a structure can be altogether dispensed with in the treatment of the patients, and no one can deny that they are unsightly, and cause an unpleasant impression. The ground formerly enclosed by them is intended to be drained, surrounded by a hedge, and laid out as a garden, which will give quite a pleasing aspect to the view from the day rooms. It would also be a very great boon if on the men’s side a portion of it were laid out as a bowling green. The game is one that patients can readily join in, and in the summer evenings the opportunity of getting this enjoyment would do much to relieve the tedium of a long day. The patients get a sufficient amount of exercise either in working on the farm or in walking round the grounds in the earlier part of the day, but these can hardly be looked upon as amusements. Even if only a portion of the inmates can actually take part in the game, there is always a certain interest in watching the proceedings. I am also in hopes that in course of time a cricket pitch will be laid out, that the patients as well as attendants may indulge in this most healthy and attractive game. For the women and nurses I think a tennis court and croquet ground might perform the same useful functions. It has to be remembered that however comfortable and attractive the day rooms and dormitories are made, however skilfully and kindly they are nursed and attended to, patients in Asylums do appreciate enjoyments of various kinds. Owing to their misfortune, however, they cannot indulge in these when they will, as sane people can, and for this reason alone they might well feel keenly the deprivation of their liberty. I think the forms of recreation suggested would add materially to their contentment and do something to re¬ move the feeling that their loss of liberty induces. The heating and ventilation of the Wards has, from the first, caused some trouble, but during the past year several small improvements have been effected, and the results are now