Through the years
Through the years - Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital
1867
Petitions are presented by the Congregational Union of Canada for establishing a place of detention for inebriates of the Province1871
One in every 397 of the population in Ontario is of unsound mind and in need of proper treatment. At this time, many of these insane people of the area are kept in jails.1873
It's decided to procure a site and construction begins for an asylum in the vicinity of Hamilton - referred to as the Hamilton Asylum1874
Construction of the main building (Barton Building)1875
Hamilton Asylum is ready for occupancy1876
January 1st - Dr. Bucke appointed Medical SuperintendentMarch 17th - Official opening
September 30th - Recommendations for additional wings for patients and an extension at the rear of the building for domestic purposes that would increase the accommodation to 460 beds
Statement of expenditures shows that it costs $21,400 to run the hospital for the first year of operation. It also shows the cost of $127 to maintain a patient annually.
Patient population now 202.
1878
Additions to the east and west sides of the building completed. The entire building length is 550 feet. Also, additions to the rear are completed.1881
The practice of alcohol therapy is discontinued.1884
East House (now Century Manor) opens on November 1, built as a reception hospital. Patients can now come directly from the community. Prior to this, patients were transferred from other hospitals. It houses 80 men and plans for a similar addition for women are never carried out.1885
Plans are drawn up for Orchard House to accommodate 300 patients. (Demolished 1971)1888
Orchard House is completed on January 24. The present land proved insufficient for farming and gardening so 95 acres are acquired. Patient population increases to 822.1890
East House set aside for the detention of Province's criminally insane. Andrew's Homestead and 8 addition acres acquired.1891
Contract tendered for construction of a fire hall and large reservoir capable of holding 200,000 gallons of water. The fire hall is equipped with hose reels, ladders and a powerful steam pump.The entire food supply is derived from the farms. Patient airing courts, with high jail-like fences, are eliminated. Instead, inmates engage in a variety of outdoor games in the grove behind the Asylum.
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1893
Patient population is 950.1897
Fifty acres acquired by purchase and exchange of produce.1900
Electrical lighting introduced into all buildings to replace gas.1909
The training school for Nurses, a three-year program, begins. 176 acres of farmland are purchased, known as hickory Farm. This final purchase brings the total property to 529 acres.1919
Patient population is 1,300.1920
East House is converted back to a regular hospital unit. The building of a mortuary is underway. Recreational Sports on the ground begins.1924
Two wards are set aside in Orchard House for the treatment of tuberculosis. (this continues until 1930.) Orchard cannery records an output of 216,645pounds of canned fruit, jams, vegetables and pickles.Bed capacity is 1,299
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1925
Medical staff consists of the Medical Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and 2 physicians. Patients are sedated by cold wet packs and continuous water baths. There are many seclusion rooms as a result of having few medications available.1926
The school of Nursing is approved on June 10 and placed on the accreditation list by the American Psychiatric Association.1929
The Hamilton Asylum changed its name to the Ontario Hospital, Hamilton sometime in the late 1920s. The hospital was known as the best asylum and facilities in Ontario.1931
The recreation hall (now Grove Hall) is built.1936
Patient population is 1,800 but bed space is for 1,200 and for by 84 staff.1937
The medication Metrozol is used in the late summer.1939
During the war years, few advancements were made in the treatment of the mentally ill. The hospital is extremely understaffed as many nurses and attendants enlist to go overseas.1952
The first tranquilizers are used in the treatment of the mentally ill.1953
The last class of registered nurses graduates.1956
The cattle raised on the hospital's farms are sent to auction as a result of the barns burning down.1958
Cornerstone is laid for new Auchmar building.1960
Auchmar Building opens on October 5.1967
Last major surgery at hospital performed on April 28.top
