Eighty-second annual report of the directors of the Dundee Royal Asylum for Lunatics : submitted, in terms of their charter, to a general meeting of the directors, 16th June, 1902 with the reports of the medical superintendent and treasurer of the institution.

Dundee Royal Asylum for Lunatics.

Date:: 1902

Credit: Eighty-second annual report of the directors of the Dundee Royal Asylum for Lunatics : submitted, in terms of their charter, to a general meeting of the directors, 16th June, 1902 with the reports of the medical superintendent and treasurer of the institution. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$senile decay in 2 cases, to tubercular diseases in 2 cases, and to cancer, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis and suffocation during an epileptic fit, each in 1 case. Post mortem examinations were made in 7 cases, or in 50 per cent, of the deaths. In the remaining 7 cases the consent of the relatives to an autopsy was withheld. The Pathological Journal containing the record of these exam illations is well kept, and much valuable pathological work is done by Dr. Rorie and his staff. The manner in which the Case Books are kept and illustrated by excellent photographs is worthy of praise. The medical work of this Institution is of a high standard. Neither restraint nor seclusion has been resorted to in the treatment of any patient since 24th October 1889. The register of accidents contains 4 entries. They refer in 2 cases to fracture of the thigh bone, due in each instance to an accidental fall; in one case to a fracture of a rib and bruises on the face, due to ill usage by an attendant; and in 1 case to suffocation during an epileptic fit. The patient, who slept in an observation dormitory, appears to have turned silently on his face during a fit unobserved. The death was the subject of enquiry by the Procurator Fiscal, and no blame was attributed to the attendant in charge. The facts in reference to the case of ill- usage by an attendant should have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal, especially as it is understood that the attendant acknowledged himself guilty of the assault. He was summarily dismissed. The number of patients who have escaped, and were absent for at least one night before being brought back, is 4. It is satisfactory to report that the changes among the attendants and nurses have not been so numerous as formerly. 2 attendants and 6 nurses have resigned, 3 attendants have been dismissed, and 4 attendants and 6 nurses have been engaged. It will be seen from the following statement that the duration of service of the male staff is far more satisfactory than that on the female side:— Length of Service. Attendants. Nurses From 11 to 20 years ... 5 0 ;j 6 „ 7 „ ... 2 2 33 -1 33 4 33 ... 3 10 Over 1 year ... 4 7 Under 1 year ... ... 6 10$