The large number of post-mortem examinations which it has been found possible to conduct receives favourable commendation.

The

All parts of the institution were found in excellent order. sitting-rooms were bright with plants and flowers, were well heated and comfortable in every respect, while the state of the dormitories left nothing to be desired.

The farm of Hill of Kinnaird, part of the estate recently purchased by the District Board, has now been taken over and is supplying a great part of the milk required in the Asylum as well as affording a wider outlet for patients' labour.

The administration of the institution continues to maintain its active and efficient qualities and the medical staff is reported as being able and competent.

(b) PRIVATE ASYLUMS.

New Saughton Hall Private Asylum.

Inspected 16th March and 21st July, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 45-0.)

All parts of this institution were found in good order. The sittingrooms and bedrooms are brightly and comfortably furnished and the appearance of every part of the Asylum indicated an active and conscientious management.

The patients have ample exercise in the beautiful grounds of the institution and not one of them made any reasonable complaint on the contrary there were expressions from several of them of gratefulness for all that was being done for them.

It was evident that everything that can possibly be done for the material comfort of the patients is being done and the medical care continues to be of the most excellent description.

The nursing of the patients is carried out with manifest kindness and skill.

St. Andrew's Private Asylum, Hawick.

Inspected 3rd December, 1926.

Representations were made to the Board on behalf of the Order of Augustinian Sisters who have for many years conducted a private asylum for ladies of the Roman Catholic religion at St. George's, Burgess Hill, to see if they would favourably consider the opening of a similar institution in Scotland. A proposal to acquire Stirches House, Hawick, for this purpose having been put forward, it was decided, after examination of the premises and after making full enquiries, to issue a licence in the name of the Sister Superintendent authorising the use of the building as a Private Asylum and the reception therein of not more than 18 female patients. The Asylum was accordingly licensed for this purpose on the 12th of July, 1926.

At the first official visit it was demonstrated that the house is eminently suitable for its purpose and without any structural alterations it has been converted into a Private Asylum capable of efficiently meeting the needs of ladies of the private class to the number for which the licence was issued.

The house has a commanding view and a beautiful situation. It stands in 112 acres of grounds, a large part of which is wood, wooded lawns and parks. It was completely modernised in 1902, is lit by electricity and has efficient heating arrangements. The internal structural arrangements are of a very handsome description. In this respect the management have been singularly fortunate in acquiring an existing building which, while being readily adaptable to their purpose, is at the same time a most comfortable and artistically satisfying home.

The public rooms are large. One of these has been converted into a sick-room or hospital ward. Two rooms on the second floor are used as drawing rooms. The disposition of the rooms is of necessity dependent on the individual requirements of the patients from time to time. The bedrooms are on the second and third floors.

Up to the date of the visit five ladies had been admitted, all as voluntary patients. These ladies were all interviewed and they had no criticism to make of their conditions or care.

Dr. Ninian Bruce of Edinburgh has been appointed Visiting Physician. He visits once a week and oftener if required. The medical arrangements will require to be modified according to the number of patients and the nature of the types of mental illness admitted.

The Asylum was found in excellent order. The furnishings are bright and in keeping with the status of the patients. Everything was carefully attended to in respect of cleanliness, comfort and general hygiene.

The grounds, in which three gardeners are employed, were in commendable order. A motor car has been provided for the use of the inmates.

The management of the institution is energetically directed by the Superintendent Sister.

(c) PAROCHIAL ASYLUM.

Greenock Parochial Asylum.

Inspected 19th April and 1st October, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 227-0.)

Attention is again drawn to the desirability of providing suitable verandah accommodation in this institution so that the undoubted benefits accruing to the patients from treatment in bed in the open air may be taken proper advantage of.

The hospital arrangements are adequate and satisfactory in other respects.

There has been no further case of enteric fever for 12 months. There are three female "carriers" in the Asylum. The segregation of these is, in this institution, a matter of considerable difficulty and some better method of permanently safe isolation will have to be considered if the scheme for a general segregation of the "carriers" in this and other Asylums does not materialise.

The advantage of appointing a visiting dentist is again pointed out. In the light of the experience of other Asylums, this is considered a necessary arrangement in the best interests of the patients' health.

Arrangements have just been completed to have all the necessary parts of the interior repainted. The condition of the day-rooms and dormitories is satisfactory.

The nursing staff are alert and kindly, and their training continues to be carried out with that thoroughness which has previously been commended.

The proportion of the nursing staff who hold the certificate for proficiency in mental nursing is a very high one.

The general health of the inmates is good and the dietary is considered to be very satisfactory. At the evening meal, in addition to bread, butter and tea, cake is given on three days in the week and on the other days varieties such as sausage and corned meat.

The medical care of the patients is represented as being painstaking and conscientious.

(d) LUNATIC WARDS OF POORHOUSES.

Lunatic Wards, Buchan Poorhouse.

Inspected 21st May and 13th October, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 43.0.)

It is reported that the patients are in their usual good health. The kindly and efficient care which they receive is evidenced by the comfortable, clean and tidy manner in which they are clothed; their physical appearance gives indication that they are well fed. This is one of the few institutions which gives porridge and milk both in the morning and in the evening and the results are satisfactory in every respect.

The Wards are suitably furnished, well heated, adequately ventilated and contain all that is necessary for the convenience, comfort and health of the patients. The majority of the inmates are engaged in active and useful occupations.

The management is earnest, kindly and most efficient.

Lunatic Wards, Cunninghame Poorhouse.

Inspected 13th May and 13th November, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 86-0.)

The patients are in good general health. They are all quiet and orderly and evidently appreciate the care they are receiving.

The patients are well fed and their surroundings in the dormitories and dayrooms are of the most cheerful and comfortable description.

A wireless apparatus has been introduced and this gives great satisfaction and pleasure to the inmates.

The management is kindly and energetic and no complaints were lodged regarding the administration.

Lunatic Wards, Dumbarton Poorhouse.

Inspected 7th January and 13th August, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 44·0.)

The patients were found generally in good health though many of them are frail and unable to do any serious work. Their care is satisfactory in every way. They are well fed and suitably and neatly clad.

The condition of the Wards is good. The sitting rooms and dormitories have all been redecorated and, comfortably furnished as they are, they present an excellent appearance. New lavatories adjoining the dormitories have proved of great advantage and are a distinct improvement.

A strong recommendation made at the first visit, in favour of providing, in two large dormitories, electric bells by which the patients could summon the nurse and attendant in any emergency at night was given effect to before the second visit was made.

Lunatic Wards, Dundee (East) Poorhouse.

Inspected 18th March and 4th August, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 96·0.)

The Wards were found in good order, clean, suitably furnished and generally hygienic.

The patients are well fed, well clothed and placed in comfortable surroundings.

The administration of the Wards and the medical supervision are marked by kindly interest and efficiency.

Lunatic Wards, Govan Poorhouse (Southern General Hospital).
Inspected 7th April and 12th August, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 187.0.) The medical care of the patients is of an excellent description and all parts of the wards were found in good order.

The occupation of the patients is well attended to, and their general health is good.

The erection of the new residential quarters for the male and female staffs is well advanced. When this very desirable addition to the amenities provided for the staff is completed, the annexes in the dormitories, presently occupied as bedrooms by members of the staff, will be converted into lavatories for these dormitories. The suggestion made in a previous report as to providing an additional nurse for night duty on the female side has been given effect to.

Lunatic Wards, Inveresk Poorhouse.

Inspected 31st May and 3rd November, 1926.
(Average number of patients resident during year, 30-0.)

The sitting rooms and dormitories were found in excellent order and subserve the material welfare of the inmates in every respect.

The patients are well cared for and their clothing is suitable, clean and tidy. In the case of the women patients, it is attractive.

The management continues to be very efficient and kindly.

Lunatic Wards, Kincardineshire Poorhouse.

Inspected 20th May and 12th October, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 42.5.)

The wards were carefully examined and found to be in good order, well furnished and comfortably arranged in every way. The patients are well fed and clothed and the management continues to be painstaking and efficient.

Most of the inmates are actively employed, the great majority of the male patients working in the garden or fields.

The arrangements for a separate dining hall and other accommodation for the staff have not been carried out owing to circumstances outwith the control of the Committee but it was learned that there is a proposal, at present under consideration, to give up the present accommodation of the Governor and his family to the staff and to build a house for the Governor.

It is recommended that the upstairs dormitory on each side should be equipped with an electric bell-push for greater safety in case of emergency.

Lunatic Wards, Lewis Poorhouse.

Inspected 16th June and 8th October, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 30-0.)

All the patients were seen at both visits. Useful occupation is found for all capable of being employed. The general standard of health is good. The patients are contented and give every evidence of efficient, kindly and adequate care.

The dormitories and dayrooms are bright, clean and well aired.

The water supply is now ample. The improvement of the heating and hot water system is at present under consideration.

A feature of the Institution is the well stocked and well kept garden from which vegetables are supplied all the year round.

Lunatic Wards, Linlithgow Poorhouse.

Inspected 31st May and 1st November, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 31.5)

The condition of the wards and dormitories is most satisfactory. The patients are in good general health and show evidence of being well cared for.

All the patients were seen. They were neatly and adequately clad. There were no complaints of any kind.

Lunatic Wards, Long Island Poorhouse.

Inspected 24th June and 20th October, 1926.

(Average number of patients resident during year, 42.5.)

The dayrooms and dormitories are clean, bright and well aired. The patients are well fed and cared for and the friendly relationship maintained between staff and patients is a feature of these wards. The good general health and contentment of the inmates speak highly for the care and attention given to them.