The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1910-01-25

he was visiting physician. But he
has mot been in touch with the pa
tients of the male department for
many years. In the white male de-
partment in. particular he has not
been conversant with the actual con-
dition Of each individual case'' nor
has he been conversant with general
conditions there. There is no proper
classification or ! treatment. These
subjects are considered under the
head Of treatment in general.
The relation of attendant and pa
| tient is discussed under another head.
The rule requiring reports Of re-
straint and seclusion, and providing
for permission from the superinten-
dent in each individual case to use
them is very important. 1t has been
generally disregarded, and the results
have necessarily been very unfor-
tunate. In most instances the nurse
| is allowed to use his discretion in ap-
plying mechanical restraint and Sc
clusion. The more extended discus
sion Of this subject will be found un-
der section headed Mechanical Re-
straint.' It should be said here,
however, that in reply to our inquic-
les Sc State hospital superintendent
replied that they keep records of re-
straint, and one replied that none are
kept, IS replied that restraint is used
only on a physicians order, and none
replied that it is used without. AS
| result of our laxness and low stand
ard in this respect, our hospital uses
maximum of restraint and is more
than a generation behind in humane
control of the insane.
Subjects of employment and amuse-
ment of patients are gone into at
length under the general head OF
"Treatment.'' No two agencies are
more necessary in the treatment and
care Of the insane than these. Our
inquiries show that but little is done
at our hospital along these lines; the
largest number amused are in the
white female department, and none IN
either the .colored male or, female,
the largest number employed in the
colored female, and the smallest in
| the" white male department.. Condi-
|tions in this respect in the latter de-
partmen are particularly unfortunate.
There has usually been cooperation
we believe, between the board Of re-
gents and the superintendent, and the
responsibility for lack Of effective ad-
ministration lies in large measures
with both. =.
The lack Of discipline and any ef-
fective system Of control of subordi-
mates detailed throughout this instis'
tution makes further comment al
point unnecessary.
The superintendent states that the
scarcity of nurses has been partly
due to lack Of funds. He also stated:
"We have not got enough for the
reason that tue il dividuals applying
were not suitable persons. VIZ find
no mention 81 :h5se reasons. howev-
er in reports to the legislature or to
the regents. Monthly reports to the
regents have been made. There is
no complaint Of any improper use of
Intoxicating liquors, nor have We
found record Of the escape Of many
patients in recent years. The super
irtendent has drawn up set Of rules
and regulations, but they have not
been generally observed, and We could
not find them upon inquiry at the
hospital. They are embodied, hoWev-
er, in the report Of the superinten-
dent to the legislature for the years
189O-91, and may be found in the re-
ports and resolutions of the general
o.coroh11- for III Of vaar