Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1955, to 4th July, 1956 / [Louis Minski].

  • Minski, Louis.
Date:
[1956?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1955, to 4th July, 1956 / [Louis Minski]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    They also have been found to be of use in some cases of mild insomnia, inducing sleep without the “ hangover ” which may occur with some of the barbiturates. It would appear however, that it is necessary to do a considerable amount of research into these drugs, not only into the type of case which is helped, but also into the side effects and benefits over other drugs in current use. The usual physical and psychological methods of treatment have been continued, but electro narcosis is now used in a very limited manner and then usually on schizophrenic patients who have failed to respond to coma treatment. Serpasil and largactil continue to be used but much less commonly now that the initial testing phase has been passed. Serpasil is of value in tension states while largactil has been shown to be most effective in controlling restlessness and agitation in the more psychotic conditions. In addition to individual psychotherapy, Dr. Thorley and Dr. Spaul have developed group techniques among the patients under their care with con¬ siderable benefit to their patients. The female occupation department remains in charge of Mrs. Herbert who has four assistants. During the year the department has been redecorated and organised on slightly different lines in accordance with the wishes of the patients as a result of a vote. Men and women now work together in all sections and a class has been started for dressmaking, repairs etc. which appears to have met quite a con¬ siderable need. Drawing and painting have been added to the activities of the pottery shop, while the usual arts and crafts are carried out in the other shops. All occupations are now carried out with much closer regard to the wishes of the medical staff as a result of weekly meetings between the occupational therapy and medical staffs. At these conferences which are held on the wards, social workers connected with the cases under discussion and the Sisters and nursing staff in charge of the ward also attend, so that the patients’ problems can be investigated from every aspect. Mr. Edmonds remains in charge of the carpenter’s shop with one assistant to help him, while the printing department in the same shop does' all the printing for the group and also takes a few patients each day who are keen to learn this type of work. During the year 34,725 attendances were made in the occupation shops under Mrs. Herbert, while 29,450 were made in the carpenter’s shop (2,700 of these attendances were made by female patients). The Educational Organiser, Mr. Robin Hull has resigned during the past month and it is felt that no new appointment should be made till after the summer, as many patients prefer outdoor activities during the fine weather. Mr. Teasdale, the head remedial gymnast is still responsible, with one assistant for the physical training activities indoor and outdoor games and general recreation of the patients. SOCIAL REHABILITATION UNIT During the year 237 male and 111 female patients were admitted to the Unit, while 244 male and 98 female patients discharged. This makes a total of 348 patients admitted and 342 patients discharged. These numbers are included in the general admissions and discharges given elsewhere in the report.