AGY-4960 | Royal Commission of Inquiry in respect of certain matters relating to Callan Park Mental Hospital

Full description

A Royal Commission of Inquiry in respect of certain matters relating to Callan Park Mental Hospital was established by Letters Patent on 13 December 1960. The Honourable John Henry McClemens was appointed as Commissioner.

The terms of reference for the commission were to investigate:

(1) Whether any patients at Callan Park Mental Hospital have been subjected to neglect or cruelty by any member of staff of the said hospital and, if so, in what circumstances, and by whom
(2) Whether money, food, comforts or other articles provided or intended for the use of patients of the said hospital have been misappropriated or diverted by members of the said hospital.
(3) Whether the procedures and methods which have been directed to be observed at the said hospital in relation to the supply and handling of food and other articles for the sustenance and comfort of the patients of the said hospital are being adhered to, and whether any other procedures and methods are necessary to safeguard the interests of patients
(4) The suitability of clothing supplied to patients at the said hospital
(5) The condition, including cleanliness of the accommodation provided for patients at the said hospital
(6) The quality and dietetic value of the food served to patients at the said hospital and the competency of the staff engaged in the preparation of such food
(7) Whether any member or members of the staff of the said hospital have improperly brought into or retained or consumed alcoholic liquor in the premises of the said hospital
(8) Whether there has been –
(a) any neglect of duty by any member or members of the staff of the said hospital
(i) in improperly absenting themselves from their place of duty during hours in which they were rostered on duty; or
(ii) in relation to any deceased patients: or
(b) any improper conduct in attending to the body of any deceased patient
(9) The truth or otherwise of the allegations contained in the report written by the Medical Superintendent of the said hospital (Dr.H.R. Bailey) in March 1960:
(10) Such other matters relative to the welfare of patients at the said hospital as may be relevant to the above matters. (1)

The Commission held 69 hearings. The Commission commenced hearings on 15 December 1960, and concluded on 28 July 1961. (2) The Commission examined 120 witnesses. 116 Exhibits were tendered to the Commission. (3) The period of the Commission was extended initially on the request of the Commissioner until 31 May 1961 and finally to 31 August 1961. (4)

Findings:
The Commission found that there were some instances of cruelty to patients, and some staff had been disciplined and dismissed for assaults on patients. However the Commission also found that most of the staff was dedicated and caring. The Commission concluded that only a small number of male staff and none of the female staff were guilty of cruelty.

The Commission found that there was no evidence of improper conduct in attending to the body of deceased patients at the Hospital. However, there had been some evidence of neglect of patients which included; sleeping on, and absences from, duty by staff particularly in the Male wards. The Commission noted that there had been some instances when the cleanliness of patients had been inadequate. The instances of injuries to patients were also found to be excessive. (5)

The Commission found that there was some evidence of drunkenness of staff on duty, and two members of staff had been dismissed for this. (6)

The Commission found that theft of food was rife in the organisation. One nurse had been arrested for stealing a large quantity of food. (7)

Although, the Commission found that generally hospital procedures in relation to the supply and handling of food were being adhered to, the Commission also concluded that thefts particularly of food could be reduced or eliminated by a number of measures including: the regular quality control of food items upon their delivery; that this information be regularly reported to the Medical Superintendent; that more control be exercised in the matching of quantities of food received, the dietary requirements of patients, and food received in the wards. The Commission recommended similar measures for the control of other goods such as blankets, towels and linen including regular stock takes, and explanations regarding shortages (8)

The Commission found that clothing of male patients was generally unsuitable. The patients needed to have more variety in their clothing, and be able to wear their own clothing. The commission found that overcrowding often resulted in theft of personal effects and clothing. The standard of clothing of female patients was found to be better, but more consultation was recommended particularly with the female staff regarding the design of clothing to fit with standards in the community. (9)

The Commission found that state of accommodation was generally inadequate particularly in the older parts of the hospital such as the Kirkbride Wards. However, the atmosphere in the newer parts of the hospital such as the Cerebral Surgery and Research Unit was found to be pleasant and home like. The Commission found that conditions in the male wards were depressing and overcrowded to the extent that, some patients were sleeping on the floor. The conditions in the female wards were found to be marginally better. The Commission concluded that overcrowding often resulted in inadequate treatment and classification of patients. The Commission also found that inadequate bathroom facilities resulted in diminished dignity for all patients. The Commission recommended several improvements to the hospital including a new pharmacy, an adequate library, and a dining room. (10)

The Commission found that while patients were given plenty to eat their diet was monotonous. The Commission also concluded that patients evening meals were too high in carbohydrates, which resulted in disturbed sleep. The Commission recommended that the supervision of food services be improved, and staff received more training so that patients received the right foods with no wastage. The Commission recommended the employment of both a female cook and a female dietitian who were experienced in modern diet cooking standards. The Commission also recommended the establishment of one diet standards for all patients, except for those with special requirements. The Commission recommended that the standards of cleanliness of the Hospital’s kitchens be improved, particularly in relation to insect infestation. (11)

The Commission found that allegations contained in the Report by the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital (Dr H.R. Bailey) to be largely unfounded. Allegations included wide scale maltreatment of male patients, and to a lesser extent the female patients, and disrespect of the bodies of deceased patients (12)

The Commission recommended the following reforms to Callan Park: improve accommodation, reduce overcrowding, and renovate or rebuild parts of the hospital. The Commission also recommended that a shift in the emphasis of therapy take place, in order to facilitate the rehabilitation, and discharge of suitable patients. (13)

The Commission ended with the publishing of the final report on 28 August 1961

Endnotes
(1) NSW Government Gazette 1960, p.3977
(2) Royal Commission of Inquiry In Respect Of Certain Matters Relating To Callan Park Mental Hospital: Commissioner’s records, 1960 – 1961. Transcripts, 15 December 1960 – 28 July 1961, SRNSW ref 2/1974 (NRS 1587)
(3) Royal Commission of Inquiry In Respect Of Certain Matters Relating to Callan Park Mental Hospital: Commissioner’s records, 1960 – 1961. Various Lists and Indices, SRNSW ref 2/1977.2 (NRS 1587)
(4) Royal Commission of Inquiry In Respect Of Certain Matters Relating To Callan Park Mental Hospital: Report, 28 August 1961. p 4, SRNSW ref 9/1094.2 (NRS 1585)
(5) Ibid p. 15
(6) Loc. cit
(7) Ibid p.16
(8) Loc. cit
(9) Ibid p 12
(10) Ibid pp 10 – 11
(11) Ibid pp.11 - 12
(12) Ibid p.17
(13) Ibid pp.18 - 19