Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1956, to 4th July, 1957 / [Louis Minski].

  • Minski, Louis.
Date:
[1957?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey : report of physician-superintendent 5th July, 1956, to 4th July, 1957 / [Louis Minski]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    * When a hospital has been built up on a structure which was not intended for that use, unless money is unlimited the building (which in this case is over 100 years old) can never be easily adapted for hospital purposes. Much, however, has been accomplished over the years and perhaps the expression “beauty is only skin deep” may be applied to Belmont as the work which goes on within the four walls is more important than the bricks and mortar used in their construction. The wards are now reasonably comfortable and bright, the existing sitting rooms for patients are cheerful, while another new one for male patients will be opened shortly. The Occupational Departments are well equipped and staffed, as are those of the Departments of Psychology and Electro¬ physiology. The new Nurses’ Home approved by the Ministry of Health is only at the tender stage and will probably be completed in about eighteen months’ time. When this is completed it is hoped that the Occupational and Psycho¬ logical Departments (the plans of which have been approved in principle) will be moved to the old Nurses’ Home, thus freeing more ward accommodation. It is hoped that among the new wards will be one verandah ward for each male and female patients, thus allowing those who are physically ill to be nursed under more pleasant conditions than at present. The Regional Board has agreed to the setting up of a Psychosomatic Unit as there is no doubt that psychosomatic problems require special investigation. Close co-operation between the Psychiatrist and General Physician is necessary and the appointment of a Physician for three sessions per week has been approved and will take place when funds are available. Many illnesses such as hypertension, asthma, skin diseases, ulcerative colitis, rheumatism, etc. will be investigated both from the physical and psychological aspects and it is hoped to have the services of a Physician experienced in allergic conditions available when necessary. Many such problems are already admitted to the hospital, but it is anticipated that they will be collected together and housed in part of a ward where they will have concentrated investigation. A problem which has existed for a long time is that of the patient who has no roots or family and who makes a good recovery from his or her illness but on discharge relapses fairly quickly. In the past the Social Worker has found the patient adequate lodgings or accommodation in a Hostel after the Disablement Resettlement Officer has obtained suitable work. These patients are usually lonely, shy individuals who do not make friends readily and although they are able to cope with the jobs found for them, on returning to their lodgings in the evenings they have no one to whom they can talk about their difficulties. Very often they again become anxious and depressed, find themselves unable to cope with life and subsequently relapse. Group Captain Cheshire V.C. was approached about opening a Home for this type of patient and the Cheshire Trust has obtained a house in Wimbledon which will be administered jointly by the South West Metropolitan Regional Board and the Cheshire Trust. It is hoped that the Home which will be opened in the near future, will take about twenty patients and will have a mentally trained nurse as Warden-in-Charge. They will be able to discuss their day-to-day problems with the Warden, while a Psychiatrist will visit once a week in the evenings (or in an emergency) and in this way the patient will be free to discuss his problems in greater detail. There will be communal dining and recreation rooms and meals will be provided as patients will be out at work all day. As patients will be earning o>