Annual reports for the years 1949 and 1950 : Exminster Hospital, Digby Hospital, Wonford Hospital / Devon Mental Hospital Management Committee.

  • Devon Mental Hospital Management Committee
Date:
[1950?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Annual reports for the years 1949 and 1950 : Exminster Hospital, Digby Hospital, Wonford Hospital / Devon Mental Hospital Management Committee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    17/44 page 15
    an appointment much needed not only for internal work but in connection with the devolopement of Out-patient Clinics. At present the only Clinic is one held once a week at Exeter, but it appears likely that others will be started at suitable centres in the near future. This is a desirable step, but it is one which will take up a considerable amount of the medical officers time. We understand that the establishment of medical officers is to be increased in order to deal with the growing amount of work, but Dr. Allan told us that he has so far found it impossible to get furthur medical officers of suitable experience. We think that one important reason for this is the absence of accommodation for married men. We were told that the building of new houses for medical officers is included in the current estimates, and we should like to stress the importance of this provision. We were glad to hear that Clinical Conferences are held twice a week. At these, all new cases are discussed soon after admission, as well as other cases of medical and psychiatric interest. An attempt is also being made to review cases about a year after admission. Our visit has been an interesting one, and we congratulate Dr. Allan on the progress which has been made during 1948. (Signed) I. COFFIN DUNCAN, E. N. BUTLER, Commissioners of the Board of Control. 18tli January, 1950 We have to-day and yesterday paid the Annual visit of our Board to this Mental Hospital and in the course of our inspection of the Wards and Departments, we believe we have seen all the patients in residence and we have afforded all patients, who wished to do so, an opportunity of talking to us. There were no complaints of any kind and we are satisfied that all who are undergoing treatment here are given understanding care and skilled and kindly medical and nursing attention. The structure of the Hospital is old and many parts are entirely obsolete. This fact is recognised and plans are under consideration for the rebuilding of some of the most out of date wards. Two of these wards, which are in a dangerous structural state, have been closed, as far as accommodating patients is concerned, for a considerable period. When reconstructed, the Stores will occupy the ground floor of the new building and over the stores new womens’ wards will be built. Much delay is probable in beginning this first part of the rebuilding scheme and meantime the over-
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