Mental Hospitals (Officers and Servants) Order, 1946.
Statutory Instruments
Source: Statutory Instruments

num: 1
paragraphs: Short title and commencement
4
num: 2
paragraphs: Interpretation
4
APPOINTMENTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
num: 3
paragraphs: Officers and Servants to be appointed for institutions
4
num: 4
paragraphs: Temporary employments in an emergency
5
num: 5
paragraphs: Temporary employments owing to increase of patients
5
num: 6
paragraphs: Employments for consulting rooms and clinics
6
num: 7
paragraphs: Conditions of service of certain officers and servants
6
num: 8
paragraphs: General Officers to be appointed
6
num: 9
paragraphs: Prohibition on acceptance of reward by officer or servant
6
num: 10
paragraphs: Employment of extra professional assistance
6
num: 11
paragraphs: Dismissed and suspended officers and servants
6
GRANTS IN RESPECT OF RETIRED OFFICERS AND SERVANTS.
num: 12
paragraphs: Notification of award of grant to or in respect of retired officer or servant
6
DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND SERVANTS.
num: 13
paragraphs: Duties of resident medical superintendent
7
num: 14
paragraphs: Duties of assistant medical officer of institution
11
num: 15
paragraphs: Duties of Chaplain of institution
14
num: 16
paragraphs: Duties of surgeon dentist of institution
15
num: 17
paragraphs: Duties of chief clerk to mental hospital authority
16
num: 18
paragraphs: Duties of storekeeper of institution
17
num: 19
paragraphs: Duties of land steward of institution
19
num: 20
paragraphs: Duties of head nurse (female) of institution
21
num: 21
paragraphs: Duties of deputy head nurse (female) of institution
25
num: 22
paragraphs: Duties of head nurse (male) of institution
26
num: 23
paragraphs: Duties of deputy head nurse (male) of institution
29
num: 24
paragraphs: Duties of head night nurse (female) of institution
30
num: 25
paragraphs: Duties of deputy head night nurse (female) of institution
32
num: 26
paragraphs: Duties of head night nurse (male) of institution
32
Article.
Page
num: 27
paragraphs: Duties of deputy head night nurse (male) of institution
34
num: 28
paragraphs: Duties of registered general nurse in institution
34
num: 29
paragraphs: Duties of charge nurse (female) in institution
36
num: 30
paragraphs: Duties of deputy charge nurse (female) in institution
38
num: 31
paragraphs: Duties of charge nurse (male) in institution
39
num: 32
paragraphs: Duties of deputy charge nurse (male) in institution
41
num: 33
paragraphs: Duties of mental nurse (male or female) and attendant (male or female) in institution
42
num: 34
paragraphs: Duties of gate keeper at institution
44
S.I. No. 203 of 1946.
DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
THE MENTAL HOSPITALS (OFFICERS AND SERVANTS) ORDER, 1946.
The Minister for Local Government and Public Health in exercise of the powers vested in him by the Local Government Act, 1941 , and the Mental Treatment Act, 1945 , and of all other powers in this behalf enabling him, by this his Order makes the regulations hereinafter appearing and hereby orders and declares as follows, that is to say :—
1 Short title and commencement.
num: 1
paragraphs: —(1) This Order may be cited as the Mental Hospitals (Officers and Servants) Order, 1946.
(2) This Order shall come into operation on the commencement of the Mental Treatment Act. 1945.
2 Interpretation.
num: 2
paragraphs: —(1) In this Order unless the context otherwise requires—
the expression " the Act " means the Mental Treatment Act, 1945 ;
the expression " the Act of 1941 " means the Local Government Act, 1941 (Number 23 of 1941) ;
the expression " patient " means a person suffering from illness of a mental or kindred nature and receiving care and treatment in a mental institution and a person receiving advice or treatment at a consulting room or clinic in pursuance of the provisions of the Act ;
the expression " intern patient " means a patient residing in a mental institution and receiving care and treatment therein.
(2) A reference in this Order to an officer or servant in relation to any function shall be construed to include a person authorised to discharge and discharging such function during the absence or inability to act of such officer or servant.
APPOINTMENTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
3 Officers and servants to be appointed for institutions.
num: 3
paragraphs: —(1) A mental hospital authority shall appoint suitable persons to hold the following offices and to perform the duties specified in any declaration of the Minister for the time being in force defining the duties of holders thereof or which may be assigned to them by the mental hospital authority :—
(a) For a district mental hospital—
(i) a resident medical superintendent ;
(ii) an assistant medical officer ;
(iii) a head nurse (female) ;
(iv) a head nurse (male) ;
(b) For an auxiliary mental hospital—
(i) a medical officer ;
(ii) a head nurse (female) ;
(iii) a head nurse (male) ;
and shall appoint such number of suitable persons to assist in the said hospitals as the mental hospital authority with the approval of the Minister, shall deem necessary.
(2) For an institution other than a district mental hospital or an auxiliary mental hospital a mental hospital authority shall appoint such officers as the Minister shall approve or direct.
(3) A mental hospital authority shall appoint such number of suitable persons as the Minister may from time to time direct or approve to be male and female mental nurses and attendants to assist in the administration of the institutions specified in sub-article (1) of this Article and in any other institutions maintained by the authority and to assist generally in the nursing and care of the patients, and to perform the duties specified in any declaration of the Minister for the time being in force defining the duties of such officers or which may be assigned to them by the mental hospital authority.
(4) A mental hospital authority shall for each of their institutions appoint such number of suitable persons to be servants as the Minister may from time to time direct or approve for the discharge of minor and subordinate duties in or about the institution.
4 Temporary employments in an emergency.
num: 4
paragraphs: If in any emergency it appears to the person in charge of an institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients that the temporary employment of one or more temporary attendants (male or female) or servants is requisite for the proper treatment of any patient in the institution he may employ a suitable person or persons to act temporarily as such pending the directions of the mental hospital authority in that behalf and shall immediately report the facts of the case in writing to the mental hospital authority. The mental hospital authority shall pay to any person so employed such reasonable remuneration and expenses as they may determine.
5 Temporary employments owing to increase of patients.
num: 5
paragraphs: Notwithstanding anything contained in Articles 3 (3) and 4 a mental hospital authority may in any case where it is necessary owing to an increase in the number of patients in any of their institutions for the treatment of intern patients or for other sufficient reason appoint or employ temporarily so many nurses, attendants and servants as the authority may determine, and the persons so appointed or employed shall hold office or employment for such period as the mental hospital authority may determine, and shall be paid such remuneration as the authority may fix.
6 Employments for Consulting Rooms and Clinics.
num: 6
paragraphs: A mental hospital authority may employ such officers or servants for any consulting room or clinic maintained by them as they consider necessary.
7 Conditions of service of certain officers and servants.
num: 7
paragraphs: No person shall be appointed as an officer who will not agree to give one month's notice previous to resigning the office or in default to forfeit one month's amount of salary to be deducted as liquidated damages from the amount of salary due at the time of such resignation.
8 General officers to be appointed.
num: 8
paragraphs: A mental hospital authority shall appoint a chief clerk and such other clerical officers as they consider requisite to carry out the clerical work of the authority and they may, with the consent of the Minister, appoint a storekeeper or a land steward to perform such duties as may be specified in any declaration of the Minister in that behalf and for the time being in force.
9 Prohibition on acceptance of reward by officer or servant.
num: 9
paragraphs: An officer or servant of a mental hospital authority shall not demand, receive, or accept any fee, payment or reward from any patient treated by the authority or from any contractor to the authority or tradesman or person employed by the authority.
10 Employment of extra professional assistance.
num: 10
paragraphs: —(1) Whenever in the course of his attendance upon the patients in a district mental hospital a case arises which in the opinion of the resident medical superintendent necessitates his obtaining the assistance of a registered medical practitioner other than a member of the staff of the hospital, he may on his own authority summon the assistance of such other medical practitioner and he shall report the circumstances fully in writing to the mental hospital authority.
(2) If the mental hospital authority on consideration of the report of the resident medical superintendent, are satisfied that the employment of the medical practitioner as aforesaid was necessary, the mental hospital authority shall pay to the registered medical practitioner so employed such reasonable fee for his services and expenses as they may determine.
11 Dismissed and suspended officers and servants.
num: 11
paragraphs: —(1) An officer or servant of a mental hospital authority who has been removed from office or dismissed by the Minister or by the mental hospital authority, shall, as soon as may be after such removal or dismissal, vacate any residence or apartments assigned to him for his accommodation at or in the institution in which he was employed and shall depart from such institution.
(2) An officer or servant of a mental hospital authority who has been suspended from the performance of his duties shall, during the continuance of such suspension, refrain from any interference with or obstruction of the management of any of the services of the mental hospital authority.
GRANTS IN RESPECT OF RETIRED OFFICERS AND SERVANTS.
12 Notification of award of grant to or in respect of retired officer or servant.
num: 12
paragraphs: When the employment of an officer or servant of a mental hospital authority ceases otherwise than as a consequence of appointment to an office in the civil service or under a local authority the mental hospital authority shall within four months after such cesser inform the officer or servant, or, if the officer or servant is deceased,his widow or legal personal representative, whether the authority have made a grant in respect of such officer or servant in pursuance of Part VIII of the Act, and if so, the amount of the grant.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND SERVANTS.
13 Duties of resident medical superintendent.
num: 13
paragraphs: The duties of resident medical superintendent of a district mental hospital shall be :—
num: 1
paragraphs: Executive and Administrative :
(1) To superintend and regulate the district mental hospital and to devote his best exertions to the efficient management thereof.
(2) To inspect a portion of the hospital each day but so that the entire Institution will be inspected by him each week.
(3) To see all patients in the wards of the hospital inspected by him each day and to examine carefully any patients who may seem to require his advice or to whom his attention may be directed.
(4) On the occasion of his daily visits to see that all the divisions inspected are orderly, clean, well ventilated and of proper temperature.
(5) To see that he is accompanied, if he so requires, by the Head Nurse (Female) when visiting divisions occupied by female patients and by the head nurse (male) when visiting divisions occupied by male patients, and to require the officer accompanying him to direct his attention to anything requiring notice.
(6) To supervise the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the hospital and to report to the mental hospital authority, whenever necessary, any defect in the same.
(7) To receive daily reports from each assistant medical officer of the hospital and to instruct and advise such officer as to the performance of his duties and as to the treatment and management of patients.
(8) To be responsible to the mental hospital authority for the lodgement and disbursement of such moneys of the authority as may be placed in his hands.
(9) To co-operate with the mental hospital authority in the establishment of consulting rooms and clinics by the authority and to attend at such consulting rooms and clinics as and when required by the authority.
(10) When required by the mental hospital authority to visit any dwelling in which it is proposed to board out a patient and report on its suitability.
(11) To visit from time to time, but not less often than twice in each year, each patient boarded out by the mental hospital authority.
(12) Subject to the provisions of any regulations of the Minister and the Mental hospital authority for the time being in force to regulate and supervise the officers of the hospital.
(13) (a) To submit to the mental hospital authority with his recommendations thereon requisitions for drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances submitted to him by any assistant medical officer or the compounder of medicine (if any) of the hospital.
(b) To order such drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances as may be urgently required for use in the hospital and to submit confirmatory requisitions in respect thereof as soon as may be to the mental hospital authority.
(c) To send as soon as reasonably may be to the mental hospital authority for transmission to an analyst samples from each supply of drugs and medicines delivered at the hospital.
num: 2
paragraphs: Care and Treatment of Patients :
(1) To be responsible for the medical treatment of all patients in the hospital and for their well-being and safe custody.
(2) To ensure that all the patients in the hospital are treated in a kindly and proper manner and to give them the fullest opportunity of communicating with him.
(3) To devote special attention to the organisation and development of occupational and recreational therapy for patients in the hospital.
(4) To ensure that either he or an assistant medical officer of the hospital shall each evening visit the infirmaries and the wards of the hospital so as to see the sick patients and those who have been confined to bed during the day and also the epileptic and suicidal patients and the patients who need special attention.
(5) (a) From time to time as may be necessary to draw up a scale or scales of dietary for patients and submit the same to the mental hospital authority for approval.
(b) To authorise such departures from the approved scale or scales of dietary as in any particular case or cases he may deem necessary.
(c) To fix the hours at which meals shall be served to patients in the hospital.
(d) To see that all the meals are properly cooked and that they are served with cleanliness, regularity and despatch at the hours fixed by him.
(e) To be present at the dinner meal of the male and female patients alternately at least once in each week.
(f) To see that a medical officer of the hospital is on duty during the dinner time each day in either the male or female dining hall.
(6) To fix from time to time as may be required the hours during which patients in each division of the hospital shall be confined to bed for sleep each night and to authorise a departure from the fixed hours in any particular case as required.
(7) (a) To advise the mental hospital authority as to the most suitable days and hours at which patients in the hospital may be visited by friends and to regulate the issue of permits for such visits.
(b) To prohibit visits to particular patients whenever he consides necessary.
(8) (a) To see that all letters to and from patients in the hospital are inspected by a medical officer of the hospital and that letters from patients are not posted without his permission or that of an assistant medical officer of the hospital.
(b) To see that letters received in the hospital for patients. and not given to them are returned to the writers thereof and that a record of such letters is kept.
(c) To see that a letter addressed by a patient in the hospital to the Minister, or the President of the High Court, or the Registrar of Wards of Court, or the mental hospital authority, or the Inspector of Mental Hospitals is forwarded unopened.
num: 3
paragraphs: Care and Control of Staff :
(1) To see that such lectures as he may consider necessary are given to the nurses and attendants employed in the hospital.
(2) (a) To take care that all officers and employees in the hospital shall carry out their duties in a satisfactory manner and to report forthwith to the mental hospital authority any case of neglect in this respect.
(b) To direct any officer or employee to discontinue duty when he considers that course necessary in a case of misconduct, to order if he so thinks fit the person so directed to be excluded from the hospital, and to report the matter to the mental hospital authority.
(c) To arrange for the discharge of the duties of the person so directed pending the decision of the mental hospital authority.
(3) (a) When required, to afford, or see that an assistant medical officer of the hospital affords, gratuitous medical service, assistance or attendance to such of the staff of the hospital as reside within the boundaries of the hospital estate.
(b) To see that when an officer or servant of the mental hospital authority who does not normally reside within the boundaries of the mental hospital estate meets with an accident in the course of his employment, either he himself or an assistant medical officer of the hospital renders such medical assistance and attendance as may be required to meet the immediate necessities of the case while the officer or servant remains within the hospital premises.
num: 4
paragraphs: Books, Forms, Records, Notification and Reports :
(1) (a) To examine not less frequently than once in each month the stimulants book and the extra diet books, to see that entries therein are signed by the medical officer on whose authority stimulants or extra or substitute diets were ordered for individual patients, and to instruct the assistant medical officer concerned as to the continuance or discontinuance of such stimulants or extra or substitute diets.
(b) To see that the stimulants book and extra diet books are kept regularly written up to date and that they are inspected and certified weekly.
(2) (a) To see that the medical journals and case books are kept written up-to-date by the assistant medical officer concerned, and that every entry made therein is signed or initialled by the officer making it.
(b) To see that full information is given in the medical journals and case books as to the physical and mental condition of each patient and of the changes which occur between the making of the entries.
(c) To see that clinical charts similar to those in use in general hospitals, are kept, in a form approved by him in relation to the patients who are under treatment in the infirmaries of the hospital, and that these records are preserved and bound together at regular intervals.
(d) To see that a note is made in the medical case book of the fact that a patient has been under treatment in one of the infirmaries of the hospital and thatan abstract of the clinical chart is given in the Case Book or a reference made in the Case Book to the volume in which the chart may be found.
(3) To prepare and submit to the mental hospital authority before the first of May in each year a general report on the condition of the hospital during the preceding calendar year.
num: 5
paragraphs: General :
(1) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941, or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under Section 20 of that Act.
(2) To devote the whole of his time to the duties of his office and not to engage in any other professional or other business—provided that nothing in this regulation shall be construed to prevent him from accepting consultations in cases of mental or nervous disease (unless in the opinion of the mental hospital authority such consultations shall interfere with the efficient supervision of the hospital), or from visiting at the request of the Minister, or the President of the High Court, or the Registrar of Wards of Court, or the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, any person and examining his or her mental condition and, if necessary, giving evidence thereon.
(3) (a) To nominate to the mental hospital authority an assistant medical officer of the hospital for appointment to act as his deputy and carry out his duties as resident medical superintendent during any periods of absence on vacation, sick leave or otherwise.
(b) To apply to the mental hospital authority for permission to absent himself on annual vacation and when permission is granted to inform the Inspector of Mental Hospitals of the period of his proposed absence.
(c) Not to absent himself at night from the hospital without getting the permission of the mental hospital authority and making arrangements to have his duties performed by an assistant medical officer.
14 Duties of Assistant Medical Officer of institution.
num: 14
paragraphs: The duties of an assistant medical officer in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Administrative :
(1) To be responsible to the mental hospital authority and to the person in charge of the hospital or institution for the performance of his duties.
(2) To make such visits to the hospital or institution and generally to perform such duties appropriate to the office as the person in charge may direct.
(3) Subject to the directions of the person in charge to exercise general control over the conduct of the nurses, attendants, and servants and to report immediately to the person in charge any misconduct or neglect of duty by them which may come to his notice.
(4) To examine each patient on reception and to submit a report on the mental and physical condition of the patient to the person in charge.
(5) When on duty—
(a) to visit in the forenoon each day starting at 10 o'clock a.m. each ward placed in his charge, to see all the patients in each such ward, and to examine all such patients who may require his attention and to prescribe the appropriate treatment for them ;
(b) to visit in the afternoon each day each ward placed in his charge ;
(c) as often as may be necessary and before going off duty each night to visit the sick patients in each ward placed in his charge.
(6) To perform under the direction of the person in charge postmortem examinations and to insert a report thereon in the post-mortem book.
(7) To endeavour to improve the mental condition of the patients and to interest them in their occupations and. amusements.
Medicine :
(8) To be responsible for the safe custody of medicines, drugs and medical and surgical appliances of the hospital or institution.
(9) If a compounder of medicine is not employed in the hospital or institution—
(a) to take charge of the pharmacy and to dispense all medicines, wines and spirits that may be prescribed ;
(b) to prepare and submit to the person in charge from time to time as may be necessary requisitions in duplicate in the forms prescribed by the Minister of the drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances on lists prescribed by the Minister required by him for use in the hospital or institution and also requisitions in duplicate of the drugs, medicines and medical and surgicalappliances not contained in those prescribed lists but required by him for use in the hospital or institution ;
(c) to submit to the person in charge for transmission to an analyst samples from each supply of drugs and medicines delivered at the hospital or institution.
Diets, etc. :
(10) To observe and carry out the directions of the person in charge of the hospital or institution in regard to extra or substitute diets, and to see that such extra and substitute diets are duly supplied to the sick patients.
(11) While on duty to be present at the dinner meal of the patients each day and to be present frequently at the breakfast and supper meals.
Staff :
(12) To give lectures to members of the staff of nurses and attendants of the hospital or institution in preparation for their examinations.
Records :
(13) To keep such books and registers as may be directed by the person in charge including a medical journal and case book for the patients of each sex or class in the hospital or institution, casualty records, epileptic records and postmortem books.
(14) To submit a report daily to the person in charge in regard to the condition of the patients under his care and to such other matters of importance concerning the institution as may come under his notice.
General :
(15) When required by the mental hospital authority to visit any dwelling in which it is proposed to board out a patient and to report on its suitability.
(16) When required by the mental hospital authority to visit any patient boarded out by the authority.
(17) When required by the mental hospital authority to attend at any consulting room or clinic provided or used by the authority and afford advice and treatment to patients therein.
(18) To consult the person in charge before leaving the hospital or institution and to conform to any arrangements made by such person as to the time of his return.
(19) To obtain through the Resident Medical Superintendent of the District Mental Hospital the written permission of the mental hospital authority for any proposed absence from the institution for a period of more than one night.
(20) To discharge temporarily the duties of the person in charge when nominated by him or required by the mental hospital authority to do so.
(21) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941, or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
15 Duties of chaplain of institution.
num: 15
paragraphs: The duties of chaplain of a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) To conduct the religious services required in the hospital or institution on such days and at such hours as may be appointed by the mental hospital authority.
(2) To visit the hospital or institution at least once in each week in addition to the visit on a Sunday or holiday.
(3) To attend the hospital or institution when requisitioned by the person in charge or other responsible officer in any case of illness.
(4) To visit regularly sick patients of his own religious denomination in the hospital or institution.
(5) To afford religious instruction to any patients of his own religious denomination in the hospital or institution who in the opinion of the person in charge may be susceptible to such instruction.
(6) When requested to do so to interview any patient of his denomination before discharge.
(7) To attend for the performance of the funeral service at the burial of the remains of patients of his religious denomination.
(8) To keep a book at the hospital or institution to be known as the Chaplain's Book and to enter therein particulars of the numbers of patients attending any religious service conducted or instruction given by him and particulars of the date, place of burial and funeral service performed by him in any case of interment of the remains of a patient who dies in the institution.
(9) To report to the mental hospital authority any matters in his opinion, affecting the moral or religious condition of the patients in the hospital or institution.
(10) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of the Act.
16 Duties of surgeon dentist of institution.
num: 16
paragraphs: The duties of surgeon dentist of a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend at the hospital or institution on at least one day in each week for a period of two hours, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 1 o'clock p.m. unless otherwise arranged with the consent of the mental hospital authority.
(2) To enter in the Morning Statement Book on each day of attendance at the hospital or institution the time of arrival and the duration of the visit.
(3) On arrival at the hospital or institution to inform the person in charge.
Treatment of Patients :
(4) To examine and treat such patients as shall be sent for the purpose by the person in charge.
Records :
(5) To keep in such form as may be approved by the person in charge a record showing—
(a) the names of the patients who attended for treatment in the dental surgery ;
(b) the number of extractions :
(i) without anaesthesia ;
(ii) with local anaesthesia ;
(iii) with general anaesthesia ;
(c) the number of fillings :
(i) simple ;
(ii) with root treatment ;
(d) the number of cases of scaling and gum treatment ;
(e) (i) The number of cases of new dentures supplied.
(ii) The number of cases of old dentures remodelled and repaired.
(6) To submit at the end of every year to the person in charge for the information of the mental hospital authority a report on the work done during the year.
General :
(7) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
17 Duties of chief clerk to mental hospital authority.
num: 17
paragraphs: The duties of a chief clerk to a mental hospital authority shall be :—
(1) To be responsible for the performance of all the clerical and accounting work of the mental hospital authority.
(2) To be responsible for keeping the register of receptions, the register of discharges, removals and deaths, the register of patients, the morning statement book and such other registers and books as he may be required to keep by the Minister or by the mental hospital authority, with the consent of the Minister.
(3) To be responsible for the checking of all books and accounts of the mental hospital authority (including the books of the Storekeepers, land stewards, foremen, tradesmen and stocktakers) and to report to the resident medical superintendent and to the mental hospital authority any deficiencies and irregularities that come to his notice in the course of such checking.
(4) To be responsible for the completion of all returns and the submitting of all necessary correspondence to the mental hospital authority and to the Minister.
(5) To keep the register of the orders made by the manager and, where necessary, to communicate copies of such orders without delay to the authorities and persons concerned.
(6) To be responsible for the collection of moneys due or payable to the mental hospital authority and for the lodgement with the treasurer of all such moneys received by him.
(7) To certify all bills payable by the mental hospital authority and to present them when certified to the mental hospital authority, and to make out advice notes and sign and issue all paying orders.
(8) To attend all meetings of the mental hospital authority and of any committees of that authority, and to keep minutes of the proceedings at such meetings and, where necessary, to communicate decisions at the meetings to the authorities and persons concerned.
(9) To prepare as soon as possible after the 31st of March in each year an abstract of the accounts of the mental hospital authority for the preceding year.
(10) To be responsible for the ordering on behalf of the mental hospital authority of all supplies (except supplies of medicines and medical and surgical appliances) and to exercise general supervision as regards quality and quantity over the various articles contracted to be supplied to the institutions of the mental hospital authority, and, in case any articles supplied are defective in quality or deficient in quantity, to take such steps as may be necessary to remedy such defect or deficiency and to report the matter to the mental hospital authority.
(11) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941, or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
18 Duties of storekeeper of institution.
num: 18
paragraphs: The duties of storekeeper of a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend for duty each day at such time or times as may be fixed by the person in charge.
Supervision :
(2) To submit to the mental hospital authority each month or as may be required by the mental hospital authority particulars of such articles as may be required for use in the hospital or institution.
(3) To take charge of the stores and to receive therein all articles supplied for use in the hospital or institution and issue therefrom all articles required for use in the hospital or institution.
(4) In the general administration of the stores to obey all orders which he may receive from the person in charge and to be subject to the control and direction of the person in charge in all matters appertaining to his office.
Receipts in Stores :
(5) To check and be accountable for the quantity and quality of all articles received into the stores.
(6) To see that the invoices in respect of articles received in the stores are correct in accordance with the provisions of such order or orders as may be in force for the time being.
(7) To report to the mental hospital authority any deficiency or irregularity which he may observe in relation to the articles received into the stores.
(8) To check all supplies of milk, meat, vegetables and other commodities received into the stores from the land steward or other officers of the hospital or institution and to issue receipts for the same.
Issues from Stores :
(9) To issue on the written authority of the appropriate officer articles from the stores for use in the hospital or institution.
(10) On no account to issue articles from the stores without the written authority of the appropriate officer.
(11) To take particular care in the daily delivery of food from the stores to the housekeeper or cook as the case may be and to see that ample time is given for the cooking and preparation of the meals.
(12) To check all issues from the stores with the consumption in the hospital or institution and to report to the person in charge any irregularity which he may observe in this regard.
Records and Accounts :
(13) To preserve the written authorities received by him from the officer authorised in that behalf for the issue of supplies from the stores.
(14) To obtain and preserve receipts for the authorised issues from the stores.
(15) To preserve a record of the receipts issued in respect of supplies received from the land steward or other officers for use in the hospital or institution.
(16) To keep such books and records as he may be directed by the mental hospital authority or the person in charge to keep and in the manner so directed.
(17) Not later than the fourth day of each month to submit his books duly written up to the last day of the preceding month, to the chief clerk to the mental hospital authority.
(18) To certify as regards delivery of the goods to the stores each account before it is submitted to the mental hospital authority for payment.
(19) To attend with the chief clerk to the mental hospital authority while the monthly accounts in respect of supplies to the stores are being checked for payment.
General :
(20) Not to absent himself from duty without the consent of the person in charge.
(21) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
19 Duties of land steward at institution.
num: 19
paragraphs: The duties of land steward at a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend at such times as may be fixed by the person in charge to receive patients from the hospital or institution who are allocated for work on the farm or farms.
Supervision :
(2) In all matters pertaining to his office to act subject to the authority and direction of the person in charge of the hospital or institution and to carry out all orders which he may receive from the person in charge in regard to the general working of the farm or farms and the employment of patients on the farm or farms.
(3) To manage the farm or farms attached to the hospital or institution subject to the control of the person in charge.
(4) To be responsible for the good condition of the farm or farms.
(5) To be responsible for the neatness, order and cultivation of the grounds of the institution.
(6) To see that all roads, gates and fences on the farm or farms and grounds are kept in order, and in a proper state of maintenance.
(7) To see that all machines, implements and tools on the farm or farms are kept in proper condition.
(8) As far as possible to prevent trespass on the grounds and lands of the hospital or institution and to instruct and see that the nurses and attendants in charge of the patients working on the farm or farms are diligent to the same end.
Patients :
(9) To see that the patients allocated for work on the farm or farms are duly taken charge of by the mental nurses (male) and attendants.
(10) To see that the mental nurses (male) and attendants are attentive to the care and industry of the patients placed in their charge and to report any negligence or dereliction of duty on their part to the person in charge.
Livestock :
(11) Subject to the direction of the person in charge to make such purchases and sales of live stock, farm produce, and commodities as may from time to time be necessary, and immediately on receipt to hand over all moneys received by him in respect of such sales to the chief clerk to the mental hospital authority for lodgement.
Supplies :
(12) (a) To ensure that at all times adequate supplies of milk, meat, potatoes, vegetables and other supplies from the farm and gardens are as far as possible available for the needs of the hospital or institution.
(b) To be responsible for ensuring that all such supplies reach the storekeeper or other officer authorised to receive them.
(c) To keep the person in charge advised of the action taken by him to maintain these supplies.
Accounting :
(13) To be accountable for all livestock on the farm or farms and for all farm produce and for all machines, implements, tools and other equipment.
(14) To obtain from the storekeeper or other appropriate officer and preserve receipts for the supplies from the farm or farms which are made available for use in the hospital or institution.
(15) To attend at each audit while his books are being audited.
Records and Reports :
(16) To keep such books and records as he may be directed by the mental hospital authority or the person in charge to keep, and in the manner so directed, and submit all such books and records for checking at the times arranged.
(17) To submit to the person in charge each month a report on the work done on the farm or farms during the preceding month.
(18) To prepare and submit such other reports as the person in charge may require.
General
(19) Not to absent himself from duty without the permission of the person in charge.
(20) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941, or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
20 Duties of head nurse (female) of institution.
num: 20
paragraphs: The duties of head nurse (female) of a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Residence :
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
Attendance :
(2) To attend for duty at such times as shall be fixed by the person in charge.
(3) Not to absent herself from the hospital or institution during the times fixed for duty without the consent of the person in charge.
Supervision :
(4) To supervise the management of the wards for female patients in the hospital or institution, to maintain discipline in those wards, and, subject to the direction and control of the person in charge, to exercise supervision over the female nurses, attendants, and female patients in the hospital or institution.
(5) As directed by the person in charge to visit at intervals during the day all parts of the premises of the hospital or institution used by female patients.
(6) If no head night nurse (female) is employed to visit each night after 10 o'clock p.m., the various departments of the hospital or institution under her charge and to ensure that all female nurses and attendants are in their respective rooms, that all lights are out, and that the outer doors are check locked.
(7) To see that all female nurses and attendants in the hospital or institution are on duty at the appointed time and to make a report in her report book when any such nurse is late for duty.
(8) To supervise and control generally the members of the female staff including the attendants of the hospital or institution in the performance of their duties and to ensure that such duties are performed.
(9) To instruct the female nurses and attendants in the respective divisions of the hospital or institution in their duties and to require the observance by such nurses and attendants of the regulations and orders relating to the hospital or institution.
(10) To prepare in advance and submit to the person in charge for approval a monthly duty list showing the days on which each female nurse and attendant will be on duty during the month.
(11) Subject to the approval of the person in charge to regulate the issue of passes from the hospital or institution for the female nurses and attendants and to satisfy herself that each nurse or attendant when allowed out of the hospital or institution has returned at the hour stipulated in the pass.
(12) To make arrangements, subject to the approval of the person in charge, for the annual vacation of the female nurses and attendants and to ensure that a sufficient number will be on duty at any time.
(13) To see that the number of female nurses and attendants sleeping in the hospital or institution each night is not less than the number fixed by the mental hospital authority as the minimum necessary to ensure the safety of the patients in the event of fire or other emergency.
(14) To report to the person in charge any female nurse or attendant who may be absent from duty owing to illness or other cause.
(15) To see that the bedrooms occupied by the female nurses and attendants are kept in a proper and cleanly state and for that purpose to visit them every day.
(16) To examine frequently the condition of the various wards for female patients in the hospital or institution and to report in her daily report book any repairs required.
(17) To see that the temperature and ventilation of the various rooms for the accommodation of female patients in the hospital or institution are properly maintained.
(18) To visit daily the bathrooms, lavatories and stores in the departments of the hospital or institution allotted for the accommodation of female patients and to see that they are kept in a proper and cleanly condition.
(19) To be responsible for the locking at night and unlocking in the morning of the master locks on the outer doors of the departments of the hospital or institution used for female patients.
(20) To accompany the head night nurse (female) around the wards when she is coming on duty each night and to see that the female patients are safely handed over to her care for the night, and that the head night nurse is duly informed of their condition.
(21) When the head night nurse (female) is going off duty each morning to take steps in company with the head night nurse to see that the patients are handed over to the day staff and to receive any reports from the head night nurse on their condition.
(22) If no head night nurse (female) is employed to pay, not less frequently than once in each month, unexpected visits to the wards for female patients at night between midnight and 6 o'clock a.m., and to see that all female night nurses and attendants are at their posts and to make a report on each such visit in her daily report book.
(23) To see that female nurses and attendants attend for instruction in fire drill as arranged by the person in charge.
Care of Patients :
(24) To promote the comfort and well being of the patients in the hospital or institution.
(25) To pay particular attention to the sick, excitable, restrained and secluded patients in the hospital or institution.
(26) To report to the person in charge any accident, excitement or illness occurring among the female patients.
(27) To accompany any medical officer of the hospital or institution when required, on his visits to the departments of the hospital or institution in which female patients are accommodated and to carry out the instructions of such medical officer in regard thereto.
(28) To endeavour to promote habits of regularity, decorum and cleanliness among the female patients.
(29) To take care that the cleanliness of the female patients, both in person and dress is strictly attended to and that the rooms in which sick or other patients requiring care are confined are kept in a proper and cleanly state.
(30) To be present at the general bathing of female patients and, when possible, at the bathing of female patients on reception and to report immediately in writing to the appropriate medical officer any contusions, marks or injuries which she observes on the person of a patient.
(31) To cause female patients to be employed as advantageously as possible to themselves and to the hospital or institution.
(32) To see that as many female patients as possible are present at entertainments, and to be present at all such entertainments herself and to assist in amusing the patients and keeping order amongst them.
Cooking and Meals :
(33) If no housekeeper is employed to be responsible for the strict supervision of the cooking and preparation of meals in the general kitchen and for their distribution.
(34) To attend at the serving of meals to female patients in the dining hall of the departments for female patients in the hospital or institution, and to be responsible for the manner in which the meals are served and the manner in which the female nurses and attendants and patients conduct themselves at meals.
Clothing :
(35) (a) To see that the female patients in the hospital or institution are properly dressed and neat in their appearance.
(b) To see that the inner clothing, bedding, linen and all other articles in wear or used by the female patients are kept in good repair.
(c) To ensure that there is a regular supply of all necessary articles of clothing and bedding for the female patients.
(36) (a) To be responsible for the supervision of the making and repairing of all the clothing of the female patients in the hospital or institution and for the making of the uniforms of female nurses and attendants.
(b) To be responsible for the supervision of the making and repairing of the inner clothing of the male patients and the making of the sheeting and other clothes made in the hospital or institution with the exception of the outer clothing of the male patients.
(c) To make a written requisition to the storekeeper for such materials as may be required for the purposes above-mentioned, and to enter such requisition in the Matron's Clothing, Materials and Conversion Book.
(d) To be accountable for such materials on receipt of same from the storekeeper.
(37) To return all condemned or worn out articles to the storekeeper.
Laundry :
(38) If the housekeeper is not responsible for the management of the laundry or if no housekeeper is employed, to ensure that the business of the laundry is conducted in a regular and orderly manner, and that the clothing, bedding and linen of the patients, officers and staff are properly washed, dried, aired and distributed and that the necessary records are kept by the laundress.
Staff :
(39) (a) To give practical instruction to the nurses and attendants on duty in the hospital or institution in regard to the making of beds and other like matters and the care of sick patients.
(b) To give lectures on nursing to such nurses and attendants as shall be directed by the person in charge to attend the same.
Reports :
(40) To keep a daily report book and to record therein for the information of the person in charge or other medical officer of the hospital or institution any matter of importance concerning the hospital or institution, the patients and the staff, and any irregularity or misconduct that may occur in the hospital or institution.
General :
(41) While on duty to wear the uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(42) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
21 Duties of deputy head nurse (female) of institution.
num: 21
paragraphs: The duties of deputy head nurse (female) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
(2) As directed by the person in charge to assist the head nurse (female) in the performance of her duties and to carry out the instructions of the head nurse (female) in relation to her duties.
(3) Subject to the direction of the person in charge to perform the duties of the head nurse (female) while the latter is absent on vacation or through illness or other cause.
(4) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(5) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
22 Duties of head nurse (male) of institution.
num: 22
paragraphs: The duties of head nurse (male) of a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend for duty at such times as shall be fixed by the person in charge.
(2) Not to absent himself from the hospital or institution during the hours fixed for duty without the consent of the person in charge.
Supervision :
(3) To supervise the management of the wards for male patients in the hospital or institution, to maintain discipline in those wards, and, subject to the direction and control of the person in charge, to exercise supervision over the mental nurses (male) the attendants and the male patients in the hospital or institution.
(4) As directed by the person in charge to visit at intervals during the day all parts of the premises of the hospital or institution used by male patients.
(5) To see that all mental nurses (male) and attendants in the hospital or institution are on duty at the appointed time and to make a report in his daily report book when any such nurse or attendant is late for duty.
(6) To supervise and control generally the male nurses and attendants of the hospital or institution in the performance of their duties and to ensure that such duties are performed.
(7) To instruct the male nurses and attendants in the respective divisions of the hospital or institution in their duties and to require the observance by such nurses and attendants of the regulations and orders relating to the hospital or institution.
(8) To prepare in advance and submit to the person in charge for approval a monthly list showing the days on which each male nurse and attendant will be on duty during the month.
(9) Subject to the approval of the person in charge to regulate the issue of passes from the hospital or institution for the male nurses and attendants and to satisfy himselfthat each nurse and attendant when allowed out of the hospital or instituton has returned at the hour stipulated in the pass.
(10) To make arrangements subject to the approval of the person in charge for the annual vacation of mental nurses (male) and attendants and to ensure that a sufficient number will be on duty at any time.
(11) To see that the number of mental nurses (male) and attendants sleeping in the hospital or institution each night is not less than the number fixed by the mental hospital authority as the minimum necessary to ensure the safety of the male and female patients in the event of fire or other emergency.
(12) To report to the person in charge any male nurse or attendant who may be absent from duty owing to illness or other cause.
(13) To see that the bedrooms occupied by the male nurses and attendants are kept in a proper and cleanly state and for that purpose to visit them every day.
(14) To examine frequently the condition of the various wards for male patients in the hospital or institution and to report in his daily report book any repairs required.
(15) To see that the temperature and ventilation of the various rooms for the accommodation of male patients in the hospital or institution are properly maintained.
(16) To visit daily the bathrooms, lavatories and stores in the departments of the hospital or institution allotted for the accommodation of male patients and to see that they are kept in a proper and cleanly condition.
(17) To be responsible for the locking at night and unlocking in the morning of the master locks on the outer doors of the departments of the hospital or institution used for male patients.
(18) To accompany the head night nurse (male) around the wards when he is coming on duty each night and see that the male patients are safely handed over to his care for the night and that the head night nurse is duly informed of their condition.
(19) When the head night nurse (male) is going off duty each morning to take steps in company with the head night nurse to see that the patients are handed over to the day staff and to receive any reports from the head night nurse on their condition.
(20) To see that fire-drills are carried out at regular intervals in the hospital or institution in accordance with the directions of the person in charge, and that all nurses and attendants are trained in the use of the various fire appliances.
Care of Patients :
(21) To promote the comfort and well being of the male patients in the hospital or institution.
(22) To pay particular attention to the sick, excitable, restrained or secluded patients in the hospital or institution.
(23) To report to the person in charge any accident, excitement or illness occurring among the male patients.
(24) To accompany any medical officer of the hospital or institution when required on his visits to the departments of the hospital or institution in which male patients are accommodated and to carry out the instructions of such medical officer in regard thereto.
(25) To endeavour to promote habits of regularity, decorum and cleanliness among the male patients.
(26) To take care that the cleanliness of the male patients, both in person and dress, is strictly attended to and that the rooms in which sick or other patients requiring care are confined are kept in a proper and cleanly state.
(27) To be present at the general bathing of male patients and when possible, at the bathing of male patients on reception and to report immediately in writing to the appropriate medical officer any contusions, marks or injuries which he observes on the person of a patient.
(28) To cause the male patients to be employed as advantageously as possible to themselves and to the hospital or institution.
(29) To see that as many male patients as possible are present at entertainments, and to be present at all such entertainments himself and to assist in amusing the patients and keeping order amongst them.
Food :
(30) To attend at the serving of meals to male patients in the dining hall of the departments for male patients in the hospital or institution, and to be responsible for the manner in which the meals are served and the manner in which the male nurses, attendants, and patients conduct themselves at the meals.
Clothing :
(31) (a) To see that the male patients in the hospital or institution are properly dressed and neat in their appearance.
(b) To see that the inner clothing, bedding, linen and all other articles in wear or used by the male patients are kept in good repair.
(c) To see that there is a regular supply of all necessary articles of clothing and bedding for the male patients.
(32) To return all condemned or worn out articles to the storekeeper.
Teaching of staff :
(33) To take part to such extent as may be directed by the person in charge, in the teaching and training of the male nurses and attendants in the hospital or institution.
Reports :
(34) To keep a daily report book and to enter therein for the information of the person in charge or other medical officer of the hospital or institution any matter of importance concerning the hospital or institution, the patients and the staff, and any irregularity or misconduct that may occur in the hospital or institution.
General :
(35) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(36) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
23 Duties of deputy head nurse (male) of institution.
num: 23
paragraphs: The duties of deputy head nurse (male) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) As directed by the person in charge to assist the head nurse (male) in the performance of his duties and to carry out the instructions of the head nurse (male) in relation to his duties.
(2) Subject to the direction of the person in charge to perform the duties of the head nurse (male) while the latter is absent on vacation or through illness or other cause.
(3) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(4) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
24 Duties of head night nurse (female) of institution.
num: 24
paragraphs: The duties of head night nurse (female) of a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Residence :
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
Attendance :
(2) To attend for duty at such times as shall be fixed by the person in charge.
(3) Not to absent herself from duty during the times fixed therefor without the consent of the person in charge.
Supervision :
(4) When coming on duty each night to take over charge from the head nurse (female) of the dormitories, rooms, sleeping quarters, and other apartments which are placed in her charge for the night and to see that they are in proper order and that the patients therein are comfortably provided for.
(5) To see that the night staff are on duty, that they are suitably clad and disposed in the best manner, to report immediately to the person in charge any absence of a member of the staff from duty and subject to the directions of the person in charge to see that a substitute is placed on duty.
(6) To visit, in company with the head nurse (female), all the dormitories and rooms and also the sleeping quarters of female patients in the infirmaries and of all other female patients, to take instructions from the head nurse (female) in regard to any cases requiring special attention, to see each female patient and to satisfy herself that she is comfortable for the night.
(7) To visit each ward for female patients and all infirmary wards for female patients under her charge at least once an hour, or as may be otherwise specially arranged by the person in charge.
(8) In her visits to the departments under her care to see that the female nurses and attendants under her supervision discharge their duties properly and that each night nurse and attendant records in her daily report book the state of patients under her care.
(9) To ensure that all doors in the departments for female patients in the hospital or institution are check locked each night at the time appointed by the person in charge.
(10) To satisfy herself that the requisite number of nurses and attendants is available in the hospital or institution at all times during her hours of duty to deal with fire or other emergency.
(11) To be present at the reception of any female patient in the hospital or institution during her hours of duty and to make the required records in regard to her.
Care of patients :
(12) To make herself acquainted with the female patients requiring special attention and to satisfy herself that the required attention is given and that particular attention is given to sick, excitable, restrained or secluded patients.
(13) To see that medicine is administered in accordance with the directions of members of the medical staff to each female patient under her care for whom it is ordered.
(14) During her hours of duty to attend any other patient or patients in the hospital or institution whom she may be directed to attend by a medical officer of the institution.
(15) When going off duty in the morning to hand over charge of the dormitories, rooms, sleeping apartments and all other departments under her care to the head nurse (female) and to inform her of any matter of importance.
Reports :
(16) To keep a daily report book and to record therein any incident of importance that may come to her notice concerning the patients or the staff and to leave the report book each morning when going off duty in the office of the person in charge.
(17) To check and counter sign the daily report books for the various departments under her charge.
General :
(18) In the absence of the head nurse (female) or deputy head nurse (female) to perform the duties of such officer when required by the person in charge.
(19) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(20) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
25 Duties of deputy head night nurse (female) of institution.
num: 25
paragraphs: The duties of deputy head night nurse (female) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
(2) Subject to the directions of the person in charge to perform the duties of the head night nurse (female) while the latter is absent on vacation or through illness or other cause.
(3) When not carrying out the duties of the head night nurse (female) to perform such other duties appropriate to her office as may be assigned to her by the person in charge.
(4) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(5) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 29 of that Act.
26 Duties of deputy head night nurse (female) of institution.
num: 26
paragraphs: Duties of head night nurse (male) of District Mental Hospital or other institutions maintained by mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend at the hospital or institution for duty at such times as shall be fixed by the person in charge.
(2) Not to absent himself from duty during the times fixed therefor without the consent of the person in charge.
Supervision :
(3) When coming on duty each night to take over charge from the head nurse (male) of the dormitories, rooms, sleeping quarters and other apartments which are placed in his charge for the night and to see that they are in proper order and that the patients therein are suitably provided for.
(4) To see that the night staff are on duty, that they are suitably clad and disposed in the best manner, to report immediately to the person in charge any absence of a member of the staff from duty and subject to the directions of the person in charge to see that a substitute is placed on duty.
(5) To visit, in company with the head nurse (male), all the dormitories and rooms, and also the sleeping quarters of the male patients in the infirmaries and of all other malepatients, to take instructions from the head nurse (male) in regard to any cases requiring special attention, to see each male patient and satisfy himself that he is comfortable for the night.
(6) To visit each ward for male patients and all infirmary wards for male patients under his charge at least once an hour, or as may be otherwise specially directed by the person in charge.
(7) In his visits to the departments under his charge to see that the male nurses and attendants under his supervision discharge their duties properly, and that each night nurse (male) and attendant records in his daily report book the state of the patients under his care.
(8) To ensure that all doors in the departments for male patients in the hospital or institution are check-locked each night at the time appointed by the person in charge.
(9) To satisfy himself that the requisite number of male nurses and attendants is available at all times in the hospital or institution during his hours of duty to deal with fire or other emergency.
(10) To be present at the reception of any male patient in the hospital or institution during his hours of duty and to make the required records in regard to him.
Care of Patients :
(11) To make himself acquainted with the male patients requiring special attention, to satisfy himself that the required attention is given and that particular attention is given to sick, excitable, restrained or secluded patients.
(12) To see that medicine is administered in accordance with the directions of the medical staff to each male patient under his care for whom it is ordered.
(13) When going off duty in the morning to hand over charge of the dormitories, rooms, sleeping apartments and all other departments under his care to the head nurse (male), and to inform him of any matter of importance.
Reports :
(14) To keep a daily report book and to record therein any incident of importance that may come to his notice concerning the patients or the staff and to leave the report book each morning when going off duty in the office of the person in charge.
(15) To check and countersign the report books for the various divisions under his charge.
General :
(16) In the absence of the head nurse (male) or deputy head nurse (male) to perform the duties of such officer when required by the person in charge.
(17) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(18) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
27 Duties of deputy head night nurse (male) of institution.
num: 27
paragraphs: The duties of deputy head night nurse (male) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) Subject to the direction of the person in charge to perform the duties of the head night nurse (male) while the latter is absent on vacation or through illness or other cause.
(2) When not carrying out the duties of head night nurse (male) to perform such other duties appropriate to his office as may be assigned to him by the person in charge.
(3) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(4) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
28 Duties of registered general nurse in institution.
num: 28
paragraphs: The duties of registered general nurse in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Residence :
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
Attendance :
(2) To attend in the departments of the hospital or institution assigned to her by the person in charge during such hours as may be determined by the person in charge.
(3) Not to absent herself from the hospital or institution during her hours of duty save with the consent of the person in charge.
(4) To take the recognised hours off duty at the times laid down by the person in charge.
Supervision :
(5) To accompany any medical officer of the hospital or institution when he is visiting patients in the wards in which she is on duty and to take his instructions in regard to the treatment of the patients.
(6) To be responsible for the cleanliness of the bedridden patients under her charge.
(7) To report to the person in charge any defect as to the temperature, ventilation or cleanliness of the infirmaries and patients' rooms under her care.
(8) To see that the lavatories, bathrooms and operating theatre (if any) in the departments in which she is on duty are kept in a proper and cleanly condition, and to record any neglect in the matter in her daily report book.
Care of Patients:
(9) To be responsible for the nursing and care of patients in the infirmary and wards in which she is on duty.
(10) To administer to the patients the drugs and medicines ordered for them.
(11) To see that the instructions of the medical officer in regard to each patient under her care are carried out.
(12) To attend at operations in the hospital or institution when required by the person in charge, to carry out the orders of the person in charge in relation to the operations attended by her, and to render such assistance as may be required by the medical practitioners engaged at any such operation.
(13) To dress surgical and other cases as directed by a medical officer of the hospital or institution.
(14) To enter the requisite particulars in the clinical chart provided for each patient under her care.
(15) To use every endeavour to induce patients to take food when they are inclined to refuse it.
(16) To call in the assistance of male or female nurses or attendants when such assistance is necessary.
Food :
(17) To supervise personally the preparation of food ordered by any medical officer of the hospital or institution for a patient who is to be artificially fed.
Stores :
(18) To see that there is always a sufficient supply of surgical dressings, medicines, stimulants and other requisites in any infirmary under her charge.
(19) To take particular care that scissors, knives, or other dangerous implements are not left accessible to patients.
Training of Staff :
(20) To assist in the teaching and training of nurses and attendants to such extent as the person in charge of the hospital or institution may direct.
Reports :
(21) To keep a daily report book in which she shall enter for the information of the person in charge or any of the other medical officers of the institution any incident of importance relating to the patients under her care.
General :
(22) To take her meals in such apartments of the hospital or institution as the person in charge may direct.
(23) While on duty to wear the uniform directed by the person in charge.
(24) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
29 Duties of charge nurse (female) in institution.
num: 29
paragraphs: The duties of a charge nurse (female) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority shall be :—
Residence :
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
Attendance :
(2) To attend daily in such departments of the hospital or institution and at such hours as the person in charge shall direct and to remain on duty during the hours of duty allotted to her.
Supervision :
(3) To assist the person in charge and the head nurse (female) in maintaining order, punctuality, cleanliness and the due observance of the regulations in the departments of the hospital or institution under her charge.
(4) Subject to the directions of the person in charge and the head nurse (female) to exercise supervision and control over the nurses and attendants on duty in the departments under her charge, and to arrange their duties.
(5) To report immediately to the head nurse (female) and in writing in her daily report book any neglect or carelessness on the part of any nurse or attendant employed in the departments under her charge.
(6) To see that each department under her charge is kept clean and properly heated and ventilated and that the beds and bedding therein are kept in a clean and wholesome state.
(7) To inspect frequently, and at least twice daily, all lavatories, washrooms, bathrooms and sinks connected with the departments under her charge, to see that they are properly kept and used, and to report any defects in her daily report book.
Care of Patients :
(8) To be responsible to the person in charge for the care and treatment of the patients in the departments under her charge.
(9) To report forthwith to the person in charge or other medical officer any case of serious illness requiring immediate attention.
(10) To give immediate information to the person in charge of the death of any patient in the departments under her charge.
(11) To superintend the distribution of food to the patients in the departments under her charge, and to see that each patient receives the food allowed for her and any special diet or stimulants ordered by the person in charge or other medical officer.
(12) To see that each patient in the departments under her charge is provided with the medicines, dressings, attendance and other necessaries as the person in charge shall direct.
(13) To see that the instructions of the person in charge or other medical officer are brought to the notice of the nurses concerned.
(14) To exercise and to cause the nurses and attendants to exercise vigilance to prevent the supply, without the approval of the person in charge or other medical officer, of spirituous liquors, stimulants, medicines or articles of food to the patients in the departments under her charge, and to report in her daily report book any irregularity in this respect.
(15) To see that each patient in the departments under her charge is kept clean and is bathed as directed by the person in charge or other medical officer.
(16) To see that each patient in the departments under her charge is properly dressed, that due regard is had to her comfort and that she is given clean linen at least once a week and as often as may be required.
Supplies :
(17) To be accountable for all articles supplied to her for use in the departments under her charge or for the patients therein.
(18) To keep an accurate inventory of all cutlery, delph, medical and surgical appliances and other articles in each department under her charge, and to see that these articles are kept in a proper condition.
(19) To see that the departments under her charge are provided with all necessary medical and surgical dressings and to report to the person in charge any shortage in same.
(20) To keep an account of all articles sent to the laundry or for repairs and to check all such articles on their return to her stock.
(21) To ensure that all presses, stores, and cupboards in the departments under her charge are kept locked, and are opened only under her supervision and to be responsible for the custody of the keys of such presses, stores and cupboards.
Books and Records :
(22) To keep a daily report book and any books and records which she is or may hereafter be required to keep by any order or direction of the Minister or by the mental hospital authority.
General :
(23) While on duty to wear the uniform directed by the person in charge.
(24) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be assigned or defined by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
30 Duties of deputy charge nurse (female) in institution.
num: 30
paragraphs: The duties of deputy charge nurse (female) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) To reside in the hospital or institution in the apartments provided for her.
(2) As directed by the person in charge to assist a charge nurse (female) in the performance of her duties and while so employed to carry out the instructions of such charge nurse (female) in relation to her duties.
(3) Subject to the directions of the person in charge to perform the duties of a charge nurse (female) while the latter is absent on vacation or through illness or other cause.
(4) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(5) To discharge such other duties applicable to her office as may from time to time be assigned to her under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
31 Duties of charge nurse (male) in institution.
num: 31
paragraphs: The duties of a charge nurse (male) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend at the hospital or institution daily in such departments and wards thereof and at such hours as the person in charge shall direct and to remain on duty during the hours of duty allotted to him.
Supervision :
(2) To assist the person in charge and the head nurse (male) in maintaining order, punctuality, cleanliness and the due observance of the regulations in the departments of the hospital or institution under his charge.
(3) Subject to the directions of the person in charge and the head nurse (male) to exercise supervision and control over the mental nurses (male) and attendants on duty in the departments under his charge, and to arrange their duties.
(4) To report immediately to the head nurse (male) and in writing in his daily report book any neglect or carelessness on the part of any mental nurse (male) or attendant employed in the departments under his charge.
(5) To see that each department under his charge is kept clean and properly heated and ventilated and that the beds and bedding therein are kept in a clean and wholesome state.
(6) To inspect frequently, and at least twice daily, all lavatories, washrooms, bathrooms, and sinks connected with the departments under his charge, to see that they are properly kept and used, and to report any defects in his daily report book.
Care of Patients :
(7) To be responsible to the person in charge for the care and treatment of the patients in the departments under his charge.
(8) To report forthwith to the person in charge or other medical officer any case of serious illness requiring immediate attention.
(9) To give immediate information to the person in charge of the death of any patient in the departments under his charge.
(10) To superintend the distribution of food to the patients in the departments under his charge, and to see that each patient receives the food allowed for him and any special diet or stimulants ordered by the person in charge or other medical officer.
(11) To see that each patient in the departments under his charge is provided with the medicines, dressings, attendance and other necessaries as the person in charge shall direct.
(12) To see that the instructions of the person in charge or other medical officer are brought to the notice of the mental nurse (male) or attendant concerned.
(13) To exercise and to cause the mental nurses (male) and attendants to exercise vigilance to prevent the supply, without the approval of the person in charge or other medical officer, of spirituous liquors, stimulants, medicines or articles of food to the patients in the departments under his charge, and to report in his daily report book any irregularity in this respect.
(14) To see that each patient in the departments under his charge is kept clean and is bathed as directed by the person in charge or other medical officer.
(15) To see that each patient in the departments under his charge is properly dressed, that due regard is had to his comfort and that he is given clean linen at least once a week and as often as may be required.
Supplies :
(16) To be accountable for all articles supplied to him for use in the departments under his charge or for the patients therein.
(17) To keep an accurate inventory of all cutlery, delph, medical and surgical appliances and other articles in each department under his charge, and to see that these articles are kept in a proper condition.
(18) To see that the departments under his charge are provided with all necessary medical and surgical dressings, and to report to the person in charge any shortage in same.
(19) To keep an account of all articles sent to the laundry or for repairs and to check all such articles on their return to his stock.
(20) To ensure that all presses, stores, and cupboards in the departments under his charge are kept locked and are opened only under his supervision, and to be responsible for the custody of the keys of such presses, stores and cupboards.
Books and Records :
(21) To keep a daily report book and any books and records which he is or may hereafter be required to keep by any order or direction of the Minister or by the mental hospital authority.
General :
(22) While on duty to wear the uniform directed by the person in charge.
(23) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be assigned or defined by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
32 Duties of deputy charge nurse (male) in institution.
num: 32
paragraphs: The duties of deputy charge nurse (male) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) As directed by the person in charge to assist a charge nurse (male) in the performance of his duties and while so employed to carry out the instructions of such charge nurse (male) in relation to his duties.
(2) Subject to the directions of the person in charge to perform the duties of a charge nurse (male) while the latter is absent on vacation or through illness or other cause.
(3) While on duty to wear uniform as directed by the person in charge.
(4) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned to him under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
33 Duties of mental nurse (male or female) and attendant (male or female) in institution.
num: 33
paragraphs: The duties of mental nurse (male or female) and attendant (male or female) in a district mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
Attendance :
(1) To attend for duty in the apartments of the hospital or institution assigned by the person in charge at such hours as may be determined by the person in charge.
(2) Not to be absent from the hospital or institution during hours of duty or to leave the apartments assigned to him for duty save with the consent of the person in charge.
(3) To take the recognised hours off duty at the times laid down by the person in charge.
Supervision :
(4) To be responsible for the cleanliness of the bed-ridden patients under his charge.
(5) To see that the lavatories and bathrooms in the apartments assigned to him are kept in a proper and cleanly condition.
(6) To lock all doors that are usually kept locked and under no circumstances to give keys to a patient.
Care of Patients :
(7) To be responsible for the safekeeping of the patients under his charge.
(8) To see that all patients under his charge are properly washed and dressed and that due regard is paid to their comfort.
(9) To supervise the care of bed-ridden patients in the apartments assigned to him.
(10) To administer to the patients the drugs and medicines ordered for them.
(11) To summon the assistance of other nurses or attendants when it is necessary to remove, bath, dress or undress a troublesome patient.
(12) To observe vigilance in the various apartments assigned to him visiting them frequently and when on night duty recording in his daily report book any wakefulness on the part of patients, the condition of the sick, the epileptic fits, any uncleanly habits, the means taken to improve the habits of patients, and any other occurrence worthy of note.
(13) By steadiness, kindness and gentleness to endeavour to improve the condition of patients.
(14) At all times to remember that ill-treatment of a patient or the use of harsh or intemperate language to a patient is strictly forbidden and may result in dismissal and prosecution.
(15) To report any ill-treatment of a patient by another nurse or attendant which may come to his notice.
(16) In no case to allow one patient to coerce or ill-treat another.
(17) To pay special attention to clothing and becoming appearance of the patients under his charge.
(18) To contribute all in his power, both indoors and out of doors, to the amusement and occupation of the patients.
(19) To take particular care that scissors, knives or other dangerous implements are not left accessible to patients.
(20) To be present when directed by the person in charge at the meals of patients.
(21) To see that food is served to patients with due regard to cleanliness, order and decorum.
(22) To give food to all the patients under his care who require to be fed.
General :
(23) To be directly responsible to the person in charge for the discharge of his duties.
(24) To observe habits of cleanliness, order and subordination in the discharge of his duties.
(25) Not to enter the female departments of the hospital or institution if a mental nurse (male) or male attendant save on the direction of the person in charge.
(26) To keep his private rooms and presses in a clean and orderly state.
(27) Not to introduce intoxicating liquors into the hospital or institution or to keep such liquors in his private rooms or presses.
(28) To keep for personal use all articles of clothing supplied to him by the mental hospital authority and under no circumstances to change such articles or exchange them for others except through the storekeeper.
(29) Not to introduce a visitor to the hospital or institution without an order from the person in charge.
(30) Not to introduce books or newspapers amongst the patients without the approval of the person in charge.
(31) While on duty to wear the uniform directed by the person in charge.
(32) To discharge such other duties applicable to his office as may from time to time be assigned under paragraph (b) of sub-section (1) of section 10 of the Act of 1941 or as may be defined or assigned by a declaration under section 20 of that Act.
34 Duties of gatekeeper at institutions.
num: 34
paragraphs: The duties of gatekeeper of the main gate at a mental hospital or other institution maintained by a mental hospital authority for intern patients shall be :—
(1) To attend for duty at the main gate of the hospital or institution at the hours fixed by the mental hospital authority for the purpose.
(2) To prevent any person who is not an officer or an employee of the mental hospital authority, or one of the inspectors of the Minister, or any person authorised by law, or by the Minister or by the mental hospital authority from entering into or going out of the hospital or institution without the permission of the person in charge.
(3) To keep the Gatekeeper's Book in which he shall enter the name and business of every officer or other person who shall go into the hospital or institution, and the name of every officer or other person who shall go out thereof, together with the time of such officer's or person's going in or out.
(4) Not to give exit to any officer, servant or employee of the hospital or institution except in accordance with a general pass or on a pass, with the name of the officer, servant or employee inscribed thereon, and signed by the person in charge or an officer of the hospital or institution authorised in that behalf, and to retain all such passes for inspection by the person in charge.
(5) To prevent the unauthorised introduction of any intoxicating liquors or other articles the introduction of which to the hospital or institution is prohibited by the mental hospital authority or the person in charge.
(6) In regard to articles and goods the removal of which from the hospital or institution is permitted, to obtain and preserve the written authority of the person in charge or other responsible officer for the removal of such articles or goods.
(7) To examine the contents of all parcels to which the preceding paragraph does not apply and which are being removed from the hospital or institution by members of the staff or other persons or which are left with him for removal from the hospital or institution and to prevent the unlawful or unauthorised removal of any article from the premises.
(8) To examine the contents of all vehicles leaving the hospital or institution through the main gate, to secure that there is no unauthorised removal of any articles and to prevent the unlawful or unauthorised removal of any article.
(9) To lock the gates of the hospital or institution at the hours appointed by the person in charge.
(10) While on duty to wear the uniform provided for him and to keep himself neat and tidy in person.
(11) To report to the person in charge any case of impropriety of conduct in the hospital or institution which may come to his notice.
(12) To submit the Gatekeepers' Book daily to the person in charge for examination and signature.
(13) To take care that the main gate lodge and the grounds adjoining are at all times kept in a state of neatness and order.
(14) Not to absent himself from duty
(a) without the prior approval of the person in charge except during permitted occasions such as vacation or sick leave, or
(b) until a relief gatekeeper takes over his duties.
(15) To obey all lawful orders of the person in charge applicable to his employment.
(16) To discharge such other duties appropriate to his employment as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Minister or the mental hospital authority with the consent of the Minister.
GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health this thirty-first day of May One Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty-six.
(Signed) F. C. WARD,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health.