STATE OF NEW YORK SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
of the
BOARD OF MANAGERS
of the
HARLEM VALLEY STATE HOSPITAL
WINGDALE, N. Y.
to the
STATE HOSPITAL COMMISSION

For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1926

Utica, New York,
State Hospital Press, 1927

- OFFICERS -

Board of Managers

Officers of the Board of Managers

Resident Officers

Consulting Staff

Visiting Staff

- REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS -

To the State Hospital Commission

The Board of Mangers at the Harlem Valley State Hospital herewith submit its second annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30m 1926, together with the report of the Superintendent and the Steward,

During the year the Board held 11 regular meetings. All of these meetings were held at the hospital. It was the intention to hold the June meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City at the time of the meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, as Dr. Sheehan of our board, and Dr. Ross, our Superintendent, are members of that association and were in attendance upon its sessions. Other members of our board also expected to attend this most important gathering of men who are leaders in the work in which this Board is so greatly interested. The meeting could not be held because of lack of a quorum. In addition to the regular monthly meetings, the Board held two special meetings at the New York office of the State Hospital Commission. Other visits were made to the hospital by individual members. A record of these visits appears later in this report. At the time of the regular monthly meetings the Board also made inspections of the various buildings and dormitories and interviewed members of the staff, employees and patients, and kept in close touch with the workings of the institution.

On October 6, the Board met with your Commission at the hospital and discussed the requirements of the institution for the coming year.

At the October meeting of the Board, the annual election of officers for the ensuing year was held, and the Hon, Frederick A. Higgins was re-elected to succeed himself as president and Miss Margaret Mack was re-elected to succeed herself as Secretary.

The hospital was able to give its patients an exceptionally good Christmas entertainment this year, as through the efforts of Dr. Sheehan extra moving picture films were secured for the purpose without cost. Another generous act of Dr. Sheehan's for which this Board is duly appreciative, was the loan of $150 to the fund for developing occupational therapy, as a result of which excellent progress is being made in this work.

The Board was gratified to receive the following communication signed by several patients, showing their appreciation of the Christmas entertainment:

"Harlem Valley State Hospital,
Wingdale, N. Y.

All give many thanks to Drs. John R. Ross, Grover, Beauchemin, for our very nice good Christmas. We know you did everything to make it pleasant and we appreciate it, and also our Supervisor, Mr. Razey."

At the January meeting of the Board the following Resolution offered by Dr. Sheehan and seconded by Miss Mack was unanimously adopted.

Resolved: That the largest of the present buildings now being completed be named Higgins Hall in order to serve as a lasting evidence of the years of devoted, conscientious and able duty rendered to the State Hospital Service be the Honorable Fredrick A. Higgins, as a member of the State Hospital Commission and as a tribute by the Board of Managers of their appreciation of his valuable and constructive aid in the establishment of this hospital.

The Board approved the following appointments of the Superintendent to the consulting and attending staff of the Harlem Valley State Hospital:

Consulting Staff

Wyeth E. Ray, M. D., surgery, 127 W. 58th St., New York City.

A. W. Thomson, M. D., surgery, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

Flavius Packer, M. D., psychiatry, Pawling, N. Y.

Richard M. Mills, M. D., internist, 139 Midwood St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Albert M. Bell, M. D., internist, Seacliff, N. Y.

Visiting Staff

H. P. Dawe, M. D., internist. Pawling, N. Y.

A. W. Thomson, M. D., surgery, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

The Governor made the following re-appointment to the Board of Managers of this hospital: Miss Margaret E. Mack.

On October 29, 1925, Mr. Thomas E. Cross, a member of this Board, was injured in an automobile accident, which prevented his attendance at eight meetings of the Board. We are pleased, however, that he is making an excellent recovery, and will soon be able to perform his regular duties as formerly.

Visits

The following is a record of the visits made by the Board of Managers:

Progress of the New Buildings and Re-Construction During the Year

The work on Higgins Hall is nearing completion and within a short time, the building should be ready for its occupancy. When this building is completed, the patients now in Sheehan Hall will be transferred, and the reconstruction of that building completed. Considerable work has already been done in Sheehan Hall.

The contracts for the new unit were awarded and during the past year, considerable work has been done. This unit comprises four ward building, a dining room building, two nurses' homes, storeroom and three cottages for physicians.

Needs of the Hospital

The Board in their various meetings made suggestions relative to the needs of the hospital and the more important of these they now submit for your consideration.

New Construction

In the first report of this Board, a number of buildings were suggested for rounding out the institution. An allotment from the bond issue that will provide for an administration building, an assembly hall, a laundry, a bakery, a propagating house, a laboratory, a shop building and two additional nurses' homes is requested.

Building for Piggery

The raising of swine is profitable for the State. The institution has been carrying a small number. A suitable building should be erected to care for these animals if the venture is to be profitable. This work could be done by the hospital organization and we request for such a building the sum of $5,000

Root Cellars

During the past year one of our greatest difficulties has been the scarcity of vegetables during the winter, due principally to the fact that we had no place to store the vegetables and keep them. A root cellar is essential. It could be built by the hospital organization and for this we request the sum of $2,000

Poultry House

The production of eggs at the hospital, on a small scale, has been profitable, and we feel that this industry should be increased, so that the needs of the institution could be taken care of. In our first report, we suggest a house large enough to care for 3,000 chickens. We still fell that this is a reasonable request. The house could also be built by the hospital organization, and we request an appropriation for the work of $5,000

In our first repost, we recommended a survey of the Swamp River, with the idea of increasing the flow of the stream thought the hospital property. It is evident from the growth of trees along the river that at some time the stream flowed at a faster rate then it does at the present time. The lowest point seems to be opposite the hospital. It is a breeding place for mosquitoes and on backing up, renders much of our land unsuitable for cultivation. In the opinion of the Board, the money for a survey and improvement of this stream would more than be repaid by the value of the land reclaimed and also by the improvement of sanitary conditions which would naturally follow. We earnestly urge that an effort be made to quicken the flow of this stream between the hospital property and Dover Furnace.

Change of Highway

The Board of Managers is on record as approving a change in the course of the State highway just as soon as it possible to have the matter accomplished. At the present time, the main highway, passing through the middle of the property is a menace to our patients.

The Board of Managers feels that they cannot commend to highly the faithful and efficient administration by Superintendent of the affairs of this hospital from the time of its organization in April, 1924, to the present time. Every detail of the organization and administration of a new hospital has been wisely attended to by him, He has shown his ability and experience as an administrator in the selection of the personal, which is a most important thing in the organization of a new hospital, and the Board are pleased with the loyal and faithful service rendered to the hospital by its officers and employees.

The Board desires to express to the State Hospital Commission its appreciation of its courtesy and consideration shown at all times,

Very respectfully,

Frederick A. Higgins, President
Margaret E. Mack, Secretary,
Henry H. Wells,
Flora Dean,
T. E. Cross,
Mrs. Alice T. A. Quackenbush,
Robert F. Sheehan, M. D.

Report of the Superintendent

To the Board of Managers, Harlem Valley State Hospital:

Ladies and Gentlemen: In Compliance with statutory requirements, I submit for your information and consideration the second annual report of the activities of the Harlem Valley State Hospital for the period ending June 30, 1926.

General Statistics of Patient Population for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1926.

CHART COMING SOON*

General Health of the Patients

The health of our patients has been fairly good during the entire year. There were three cases of bronchial pneumonia. Three cases of tuberculosis of the lungs were discovered upon routine examination.

Medical Work

Routine treatment of conditions arising has been the rule. Each patient is weighed monthly. When conditions seemed to demand it, a complete physical examination of eye, ear, nose and throat by the visiting specialist and treatments given where indicted. Examination of urine and sputum have been made when necessary. A Schick test was made on all patients in the hospital and 24 reactors were found. Those patients were given toxin-antitoxin immunization treatment. Our visiting dentist has made an examination of teeth of all patients and recommended treatment.

Census by Psychosis of Patients on the Books of the Hospital June 30, 1926

CHART COMING SOON*

Occupational Therapy in Veterans' Bureau

Mr. George Digan was appointed chief occupational therapist on October 1, 1925, and he proceeded to organize this department along recognized lines. Under his direction a number of patients razed some old buildings which were in the way of new construction. Six buildings were taken down. This department also undertook the work of clearing the water shed, removing stumps and trees from the reservoir, reforesting, ext. Twenty thousand pine seedlings were plated. Forty patients were used and a valuable amount of work was performed. Two classes were organized - one in the morning and one in the afternoon for rehabilitation in occupational class room. These classes have processed without interruption. A squad of male patients who have never been employed was formed and assigned to the director of occupational therapy with instructions to attempt to form habits of labor. As fast as patients from this squad show signs of interest they are assigned to other squads where useful labor for the hospital can be performed. A number of inmates who formerly had been sitting about the wards unemployed are now doing fairly good work. Two tennis courts were built and graded by this squad. Classes in physical culture were established and every patient in this institution who is not employed at other labor at some time of the day is given reasonable amount of exercise. Entertainment of the patients has been assigned to the direction of the chief occupational therapist Moving pictures are given weekly. These start with community singing which is lead by the director of physical culture. Weekly dances have furnished the patients with considerable enjoyment. A baseball team of employees was organized and had a fairly successful season for a new team.

Homicides, Suicides, Accidents and Elopements

There were no homicides or suicides during this year There were eight accidents - three of which resulted in fractures. One, the forth metacarpal bone of the hand, another a colles fracture of the left wrist and the third was a fracture of the right ulna. The other accidents were of a minor nature. A number of minor injuries to employees have been reported to the State Compensation Bureau.

There were five elopements during the year. Two of those patients were found shortly after their escape and returned to the hospital. The other three were not located and were placed on parole for a period of six months.

Staff Meetings

Because of the small size of the staff and the fact that most of our patients are transfers, staff meetings are held informally in compliance with the law. At these meetings the questions of the treatment of our patients and other problems pertaining to medical and administrative work are discussed. A staff meeting with the heads of departments is held bi-weekly.

Library

Through the kindness of Mr. Higgins, President of our Board of Managers, we have been able to add 107 books to the patients' library. The medical library consists of 31 volumes.

Mental Clinics

Mental clinics have not been started at this institution.

Parole and After-Care Work

Four patients have been on parole - three males and one female. We have maintained supervision over one of these patients by monthly letters. The other three were eloped patients.

General Statistics of Officers and Employees

CHART COMING SOON*

From the foregoing table it will be seen that there have been many changes in the personnel of the institution. The turnover has been so rapid that there has been little time for any instruction of the individual on the wards before he has left the service. The principal reason for the change in personnel has been unsatisfactory living conditions. With the completion of the nurses' homes, which are now under way, we hope that this rapid change will be eliminated. The nucleolus for a sound organization is well started.

Nursing Service

Up to the present time it has not been practical to start a training school for nurses. As soon as conditions warrant, this branch of the work will be undertaken.

School for Attendants

A course in the instruction of attendants was started and 15 lectures and demonstrations were given. A number of our employees completed the course, but as stated before the turnover in the employees has been so rapid that there were only a few who received the entire course of instruction.

Capacity of the Hospital

Improvements in Building, Grounds, Etc.

A temporary administration building was made in the west end of what was formerly known as the barracks. In the rear of this building a carpenter shop, machine shop and X-ray room were constructed. A dark room for photographic purposes was made in the X-ray room.

Directly in the rear of the administration department a sewing room was established. A section on the south end was used for an office for the chief occupational therapist. The second floor has been utilized for the storing of lumber, while the top floor was remodeled into a class room for occupational therapy. An emergency exit was constructed to this floor. This provides two entrances so that the building can be emptied promptly in case of necessity.

The house in the rear of Sheehan Hall was remodeled and is now occupied by the chief engineer.

A five-car garage was erected in the rear of the administration building. This is equipped to do ordinary repairing of automobiles.

A bathroom was placed in the quarters of the medical interne in the staff house. A bathroom was placed in the employees building opposite Sheehan Hall. A section of the X-ray room has been equipped for a dentist office.

A small shed adjoining the employees cottage opposite Sheehan Hall was remodeled and is now used for a community store.

A chlorinating plant was placed in the filter house and the sewage disposal plant.

Water supply from the reservoir was extended to the administration building and fire protection for this building has been improved by placing fire hydrants at each corner of the building.

A heating system was installed in the filter house. An electric cable was run from the power house to the filter house, but has not been connected. A sawmill was placed in position and an electric motor connected. We are planning to manufacture ties for our railroad spur and also produce some lumber from the property.

Needs of the Hospital

This matter has been covered in your report to the commission.

Fire Protection

All buildings of non-fireproof construction have been protected against fire to the best of our ability. Chemical fire extinguishers have been placed at strategic points. Hydrants have been placed where they will be of greatest value and fire drills are held weekly under the direction of the chief engineer.

Other Items of Interest

Reconstruction: The remodeling of buildings "A" and "B" is not yet complete. Building "B" now known as Higgins Hall is nearly finished and I am informed by the contractors that within a short time the building will be turned over for our use. Considerable work has been done on building "A" (Sheehan Hall) but this building cannot be finished until Higgins Hall is completed and the patients now in Sheehan Hall removed to the other building. The work on new construction is progressing very satisfactorily. Two homes for employees and two ward buildings are expected to be roofed in before the winter.

Resignations and Appointments of the Medical Staff

Dr. Henry J. Worthing, first assistant physician, resigned to accept the position of clinical director at the St. Lawrence State Hospital.

Dr. M. M. Grover, senior assistant physician at the Kings Park State Hospital, was appointed first assistant physician, July 1, 1925.

Dr. Joseph A. Beauchemin was appointed medical interne, October 21, 1925.

Acknowledgements

I wish to acknowledge with thanks the gift of books from Mr. Higgins.

Pages #18 - #34 to be continued.

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