Dundee Royal Lunatic Asylum

[Currie]

Andrew got it right. Helen's death was mentioned in House of Commons Parliamentary Papers, but without a name. She was a Pauper patient.


1883 [C.3779] Twenty-fifth annual report of the General Board of Commissioners in Lunacy for Scotland.

DUNDEE ROYAL ASYLUM, 19th July 1882.

The following statement shows the number of patients at present in the asylum, distinguishing between private patients and paupers, and between males and females:—

Private patients, M 29, F 29, Total 58.
Pauper patients, M 98, F 166, Total 264.

Since last visit [21 Feb] the following changes have occurred:—

Admissions, Private, M 3, F 2. Pauper, M 12, F 27.
Discharges recovered, Private, M 1, F 1. Pauper, M 4, F 15.
Discharges unrecovered, Private, M 0, F 1. Pauper, M 3, F 11.
Deaths, Private, M 1, F 0, Pauper, M 5, F 2.

The deaths were due in 2 cases to general paralysis, and in 2 to other brain diseases; in 2 to diseases of the chest, in one to phagedaenic ulceration, and in 1 case to bed sores.

The ages at death were an average of 59 years among the men, and 65 among the women.

The number of entries in the Register of Restraint and Seclusion since last visit is 121. These refer to the use of seclusion in the treatment of 29 persons. There are 3 entries in the register of accidents; the most serious of these refers to the infliction of a severe wound of the scalp on one of the male attendants by a patient. The instrument used was a poker, and it nay be regarded as very fortunate that the attendant has not been permanently injured.

The new asylum at West Green is still in an incomplete state, owing to the steam apparatus necessary for cooking and for laundry purposes not being ready for use. Between 30 and 40 of the male patients have, however, been transferred to West Green from the old asylum, and 15 others are to be sent to-morrow. It is expected that it will be possible in the present condition of the new buildings to provide for these patients without serious disadvantage; and the relief from overcrowding in the old establishment which will be obtained will be very beneficial. The patients who arc removed will also reap advantage from the greater amount of elbow-room, and the greater facilities for outdoor labour which they will enjoy.

It is undesirable to make any further remarks on the present condition or management of the institution, as the various parts of the administration are necessarily somewhat out of gear. It is hoped, however, that the new asylum will be completed as soon as possible, so as to permit of the administration being relieved from its present difficulties.


All the best,
Alan

[nvisima]

Wow, just came across this post from user maddymoss from 2011 and it reads exactly like the story of my g-grandfather's brother! My gg-uncle John Strachan also died in Dundee Royal Lunatic Asylum, in July 1894, age 35, with cause of death "general paralysis of the insane." Interesting to read here that records are available from Dundee University. I will be writing to them to learn more about my gg-uncle.

[SarahND]

Hello nvisima and

Glad you have found something useful right away! I hope you can find the records of your great grandfather's brother-- probably sad, but a view into a life that you otherwise might not know much about.

Best wishes,
Sarah