The last dance

R W K Reeves

doi:10.1192/pb.17.5.293

Abstract

In December we held the last dance. Shortly after 1 a.m. the ghosts of long dead patients would have heard the strains of Auld Lang Syne drifting down the hospital corridors. Perhaps they should have joined us.

Highlights

After I a.m. the ghosts of long dead patients would have heard the strains of Auld Lang Syne drifting down the hospital corridors
In its time the great building would have been a source of pride to our Victorian forefathers even as today we are pleased with the new buildings for our long-term patients and the Secure Unit
While the long-term chronic patients moved out at one end of the hospital, as they have been doing for many years, so, at the other end the wards are being converted into a College to train all nurses and physiotherapists in Avon and Gloucestershire

Summary

Introduction

We are creating a residual hospital on adjac ent land that has not been sold. A few weeks ago a very pleasant new building for 40 long-term patients opened, each patient had his or her own room and there are adjoining gardens. In December we held the last dance. After I a.m. the ghosts of long dead patients would have heard the strains of Auld Lang Syne drifting down the hospital corridors.

Results

Conclusion