DULLUNDA LUNATIC ASYLUM.
27
Memorandum.—From the Deputy Surgeon-General, Presidency Circle,—No. 3 L,
dated 26th February 1874.
Forwards the annual report and returns of the Dullunda lunatic asylum for the
year 1873.
Management.
Being an official visitor of the asylum, advantage is taken of the monthly meeting of
the visitors to inspect the asylum at such times, and to become acquainted with the internal
economy and management of the insanes. On every occasion the asylum in all the details
has been found to be in admirable order, offering rather opportunities for observing how
such an institution should be conducted than for criticism.
The increase in number of the inmates treated at this asylum still continues.
1872.
Males ...
Females ...
Total ...
Remained.
251
74
325
Admitted.
170
49
219
Total.
421
123
544
Daily aver-
age strength.
276.4
78.46
354.86
1873.
Remained.
290
87
377
Admitted.
146
58
204
Total.
436
145
581
Daily aver-
age strength.
282.52
86.76
369.78
Number of deaths in 1872 ...
Number of deaths in 1873 ...
Males ... ... ... ...
Females ... ... ... ...
Males ... ... ... ...
Females ... ... ... ...
38
6
25
15
44, or 12.39 per cent.
40, or 10.83 „
Overcrowding.
The overcrowding in this asylum has existed to a dangerous extent throughout the
year. Allowing 50 superficial feet for each inmate, the male-wards can accommodate 246,
and the female-wards 47 individuals, while the average number resident throughout the year
was 282.52 males and 86.76 females.
The necessity of having an asylum under observation in all parts from one central spot
renders it impossible to add to the number of wards, and the crowding together a large
number of insanes is objectionable, particularly in India, where, from the nature of the
establishment that has to be employed, it is difficult to obtain careful surveillance if
removed from the immediate observation of the resident officer.
Restraint.
Dr. Payne in a special report, and again in this, has stated his views regarding mechanical
means of restraint in the treatment of lunacy. What he advocates is really an exceedingly
modified measure of restraint, only used under his own direction.
The objection to
mechanical restraint being recognised as a legitimate mode of treatment for insanes, is the
liability to its abuse by the keepers to save themselves trouble, and the inconvenience caused
by their having to watch the insanes. There is, however, the strong objection that it is much
more irritating to a patient than removal to a solitary room, and in practice both must
frequently be combined for the purpose of removing lunatics from being exasperated or
annoyed by others, which must be especially the case when an individual is under personal
restraint.
Overseer.
Mr. Bancroft, the overseer, fully deserves the praise given him by Dr. Payne; he is a most
useful and valuable assistant, and the management, kindness, and watchfulness displayed
by him in his care of the insane, most creditable.
Native
establishment.
The conduct of hospital assistant, Indramun, has also been good; he is attentive
to his duties, and careful to perform them properly. The native establishment has been well
conducted throughout the year.
H. B. BUCKLE,
Deputy Surgeon-General, Presidency Circle.