A HISTORY OF THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN PORTSMOUTH
THE ST. JAMES' JOURNAL
The Wind of Change
The corridors were painted brown and cream, the staircase even browner. Outside eight foot high walls surrounded each ward. Everyday patients not attending occupational therapy, paced the 'courts' or 'walled gardens' with a nurse or two to keep an eye on them. Patients were counted in and out of wards.
Of course, there were the usual weekly cinema shows and socials, and at Christmas the usual parties, but always within eight foot high walls! There were the occasional `little' outings, such as going to the Nurse Training Unit and being 'entertained' by student nurses.
Saturday afternoons were enlivened by the weekly 'crocodiles' of patients, accompanied by a nurse or two, shopping in Locksway Road, having a cup of tea in a Milton Road, cafe, back up Warren Avenue, through the eight foot high walls, to the wards for tea. Locked doors were everywhere.
There were 'go-ahead' nurses who, encouraged by Matron and her Assistants, Tutors and Ward Sisters, introduced new occupations; art classes of an evening were started on some wards. Nurses began taking individual patients out shopping any day instead of the regular Saturday afternoon spree.
Gradually the walls changed from brown and cream to pretty blues and pinks. Wards became brighter, curtains prettier, and a hairdressing salon was installed. Nurses set to work with a will. Lipstick and powder became obvious. The hospital shop was
opened. THE EIGHT FOOT HIGH WALLS WERE KNOCKED DOWN !
The wind of change had come. You can see for yourself our hospital now.
I have been here just six years, and I have seen it all happen!
O. N. C.
Winter 1966