THE ST. JAMES' JOURNAL

Industrial Therapy
 
INDUSTRIAL THERAPY commenced for the male patients in 1962 with an order from Messrs. Lillie & Co., which comprised the making of fences and trellis tops. This work, which commenced in the main occupational department, proved too noisy for other patients who were working on normal therapy. Therefore, it was transferred to its own hut near Pink Villa.
 
With the acceptance of an order from Messrs. J. Dring (cardboard box manufacturers) in September, eight ladies joined Industrial Therapy. Messrs. Dring's order was for 27,000 glass divisions and called for the making of special jigs and equipment. This was undertaken and the order was completed in good time.
 
A further order was received from the above, which called for the making of 75,000 Games Sets, of which 'Bingo' was one. These were required by the end of November, 1962. This naturally called for more workers and these were recruited from both male and female patients. Due to this expansion another hut was used and work was then proceeding in four places.
 
Following this, work for the Ministry of Supply was undertaken, which comprised the making of things such as card board diaphragms, small boxes for vaccine phials and cardboard divisions.
 
Another job we undertake from time to time, is the collating of this magazine, which is undertaken by a small group of ladies under the instruction of the Printer, Mr. Webber.
 
The latest job has been the making up of bundles of 'Nyties' (a new type of material for tying plants) having made up sample cards for issue with the magazine 'Popular Gardening'. In the meantime, Messrs. Palmers were contacted and sorting and bundling of hair for brush making was started, also the cutting of plastic strips for the brushes.
 
A further order was received from Messrs. Lillie & Co. calling once again for the making of fences, including a new type.
 
These firms have now come to accept the fact that useful work can be done by patients, and we are continually being thrilled to find our patients able to concentrate on and enjoy their work. We are most grateful for their co-operation. This work, besides giving the patients a new and interesting occupation also enables them to have their own money, which provides them with the luxuries they would normally be unable to obtain.
 
This money being earned by themselves gives them an added incentive and makes them more self-reliant and alert, taking an interest in the everyday things of life, outside normal hospital routine, This remuneration, to those on Industrial Therapy, comes from payment by the firms concerned for completion of work. The entire amount is paid to the patients on as fair a basis as is possible, through the Hospital Finance Department.
 
We can say with assurance that none have regressed through attending Industrial Therapy, in fact, the patients themselves say they enjoy the change of environment, which is in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
 
The ladies of Industrial Therapy went to the Kings Theatre to see the Portsmouth Players in 'The Merry Widow.' We hope to have more ideas for their entertainment and interest in the near future.
THE TWO ENTHUSIASTS
 
Autumn 1963
 

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