Mental nursing / by William Harding.

  • Harding, W. (William Harry), 1941-
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Mental nursing / by William Harding. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the patient has the advantage of being retained under the care of the usual medical attendant. The desire of the friends to take part in the management of the patient, though natural and praiseworthy, is of doubtful benefit to the invalid, and may seriously hamper the efforts of a con- scientious nurse. We may say that, almost invariably, it is better that the patient be left entirely in the hands of the medical man and the nurses, and that the friends be admitted only when such an experiment be deemed advisable by the physician. We have seen patients whose re- covery has been much retarded, if not altogether prevented, by the injudicious interference of well- meaning friends. They are over-indulgent at one time, irritable at another, and are often incapable of exerting any moral influence over the patient. Their feelings are too much interested in the sufferer to allow them to maintain a calm temper and exercise a clear judgment. Firmness is apt to be confounded by them with harshness, and they are hindrances to others doing what is best for the patient. By their presence also, they prevent that complete severance from all old ideas and associations which is found of so great benefit. Among the worst examples of mis- managed lunatics received into our asylums are those who have been under the care of their relatives. The progress of a case of insanity is often very materially influenced by the character