H.—7

32

9th February, 1907.—1 visited this Mental Hospital on the Ist and 2nd instant, on the second date in company with the Hon. the Minister, and called to-day to write this report, when I met Dr. Alexander, sen., and discussed with him the various projects he had for continuing to maintain this Hospital in the van by anticipating up-to-date requirements. As usual, the whole establishment was scrupulously clean and well-ventilated, and was well and suitably furnished and decorated. It had a most home-like aspect, not only in the detached cottages but in the main hospital. The staff, which is relatively large, does not vary very much, and is evidently contented and on the best of terms with the patients. The following changes have taken place in its number since my last visit: The night attendant has been replaced by a second night nurse, and a nurse who had to leave to attend a sick mother has been replaced by 7 another. Nurse Guffie, after many years of faithful service, has received a well-deserved promotion to the newly-made office of Deputy-Matron under Mrs. Milne. I inspected the food being cooked and upon the table, and found it good, varied, and well served. Most of the patients occupy themselves chiefly in the open air, and there is the usual round of recreations and amusements. All the patients were apparently contented, and some, without question asked, expressed their gratitude for the kindness and attention with which they were treated. The general health of the Hospital is good. Only one patient was confined to bed, a paralysed lady, suffering from what will probably prove to be organic disease of the stomach. Males. Females. Total. Number of patients on the 2nd instant under order .. 23 19 42 Absent on probation .. .. .. . . .... 2 2 In residence . . .. .. .. .. 23 17 40 Voluntary boarders .. .. .. .. ..1 4 5 Total inmates in residence .. .. .. .. 24 21 45 The licensed accommodation in this Private Hospital is for 66, and there is therefore room for 21 more patients. Since last report 1 gentleman has come as a voluntary boarder, and 3 gentlemen and 1 lady have been admitted. During the same period 3 and 2 respectively have been discharged, and 1 of each sex has died, both senile cases after long residence. No accident has been recorded. There are no bed-sores. Two of the patients are reported to be wet. After a very long period there is one entry in the register of restraint. I inquired into the case carefully, and found that the measure was not only necessary but desirable, and that the means employed were the least irksome under the circumstances. The statutory books and registers are correctly kept and up to date. The entries in the case-book disclose a thoroughness and a scientific appreciation of the facts observed which is highly creditable, and Dr. E. H. Alexander's personal knowledge of his patients is very complete. I am glad to learn that works are in hand for the installation of electric light. I have once more to record the pleasure one derives by inspecting an institution found in so satisfactory a condition. 6th June, 1907. —I visited this hospital last early in February, and the report then made with respect to the comfort of the inmates, of their general good health, toid of the absence of complaint may now be repeated. Males. Females. Total. The number of patients in the register at this day under orders is ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 18 39 The number absent on probation is ... ... ... 0 2 2 The number resident is ... ... .. ... 21 16 37 The number of voluntary boraders is ... ... ... 0 5 5 Making the total number of inmates ... ... ... 21 21 42 with all of whom I conversed. The electric-light installation to which I referred in my last report is nearing completion. I regret to record the death of Dr. Alexander, sen., one of the original licensees of this hospital and one to whom its success, predicted by Dr. Grabham in the first report on the institution, is largely due. Though for a number of years the medical charge of the hospital has been in other hands, Dr. Alexander's periodic visits were much appreciated, and it is due to his memory to record that it was his desire to keep the institution abreast of progress. Dr. E. H. Alexander, who for the last three years has been the physician superintendent, will take his father's place, and all who know him will acknowledge his worthiness. He laid before me his views as to the future of Ashburn Hall, and I cordially approve of his intention to get from Home a medical man engaged in scientific clinical research in psychiatry to be associated with him in his work.