Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-12-25
Meonian Building,
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Visiting COmmitter,s Report.

Visiting Commi'ter's Report.
The Visiting COMMITTEE to the Insane Hospital
have made their fifth annual report TO the Gov
ernor and Council. They have mace a leading
feature Of their duty to ascertain if the inmates
thereof are humaney treated" As far a. posi-
hle they have made the personal acquaintance of
a many patients possible, and gaining their
confidence. The visits have been made at irreg-
ular hours and unex pected tines, unaccompanied
by officers or attendants, except by request; thus
they lave met with patients who have had com
paints to make, but IN every case, after investi-
CATION, it has generally been found that such
complaints rather the fruit of diseased i'm
a.inatiou than based on fact. Whenever it has
been found by careful study and examination Of
individual cases that longer detention would not
likely be OF benefit to the patients, they nave
called the attention of the officers to their condi.
ton and recon me ndcd their disch rse. A Il such
recommendations have received courteous atteu-
ton. and the wishes of the committee cheerfully
compiled with. An excellent lass If young men
and women acting IN the capacity of attend
aut- and surses The Superintendent is prompt
in di,chargiug attendants who not kind and
attentive to those in their charge. The lock let
Ter boxes have been continued accessible 10 all
patients
The supply of water has not been sufficient, the
past year, for the purposes Of the hospital. owing
to The severe drouth of the summer and fall The
bath rooms have been kept 10 good condition; the
beds and bedding have had proper care bestowed
upon them the clothing of the inmates is gener
ally as good rs their condition will allow, though
in some Instances an improvement might be made
in washing and ironing. The food has been found
sufficient and wholesome, though the promiscuous
coming together at meal lime of all classes is
much to be regretted, and forcibly demonstrates
the necessity of better classification. Two sddi-
tional attendants have been employed for the
night service The sick rooms are unfsvorably
located and q change is recommended. Great
help is obtained from The facilities for amusement
and out of door recreation. The demand for &C.
Communications exceeds the supply. but the weed
ing out of those patients whose disease is chronic
and who are harmless and could be easily taken
care of by the towns and far more cheaply, would
temporarily, at least relieve the institution from
its present over-crowded state.
The committee conclude their report with the
following recommendations
LIST. That new bathrooms he supplied Tor the
private halls, and that the existing bath rooms be
separated from The water. closets, and these latter
provided with modern improvements.
ID. That better classification of patients he
attempted, and that the violent ones be removed
to the east halls from their present central loca-
tiou.
Sd. That additional engineer be employed
during The winter months.
An. Tina, more SICK rooms be provided and in
place better al pied to such purposes.
9TH That more amusement and some light &C.
cupstion he furnished III the halls.
9th. That larger opportunities he afforded for
out.uf. door exercise, ami to that end that another
aud bettel carriage, a pair Of hotses and man be
employed.
7th. That some systematic fort he made for
a more ycue,ai fl -ion of Knowledge OF IN.
sanity, lis cau.es, prevention aud treatment.