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leucotomy were more frequently used. Also, despite the inade- quate accommodation, much occupational therapy was carried out, the main activities being rattan work and tailoring, but selected patients were employed in laundering, knitting, wood cutting, gardening and weaving. As extensive recreational activities as possible were provided and cinema shows were given throughout the year by the United States Information Service.

215. The staff of the Mental Hospital derived some encouragement from the fact that some progress was made during the year towards the realization of plans for a new mental hospital, and the Public Works Department's staff are now working on the drawings. A suitable site has been obtained in the New Territories some 20 miles from the city. It is planned that the new hospital will provide accommodation for 500 patients and there is every prospect that at least part of this accommodation will be available in the coming financial year when it will be possible to transfer a substantial number of chronic cases from the present Mental Hospital, giving immediate relief to the present overcrowding.

Stanley Prison Hospital.

216. This hospital with 3 wards of 16 beds and 6 isolation cells is situated within the precincts of the Colony's main prison. During the year extensive repairs and redecorations were carried out and substantial improvements were achieved in the sanitary facilities and in the lighting of the hospital,

217. The staff consisted of the Medical Officer-in-Charge who has to assist him a hospital supervisor, an assistant hospital supervisor and 10 hospital warders. During the year these latter were provided with short courses of training in general and surgical nursing by the Medical Department. Though the programme of training was of an elementary kind it has led to a higher standard of care in the hospital.

218. The daily average population of the prison was 2,692 and during the year 7,396 persons, all of whom were examined by the medical officer, were admitted to the prison.

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219. There was a considerable reduction in the number of prisoners admitted to the hospital from 874 in 1962 to 617 in 1955. These admissions were classified as follows:

Cieneral codes Infections cages Tuberculosie cases Mental caseB

463

88

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13

During the year 15 deaths occurred in the hospital and 2 other prisoners died in Queen Mary Hospital where they had been transferred for treatment.

220. The total number of prisoners reporting sick was very much less than in the previous year, the number during 1963 being 35,266 as compared with 54,001 during 1952. This improvement may, perhaps, in part, be accounted for by improved living conditions in the prison. Improved diet scales were introduced in September 1952, and the inmates are now enjoying additional privileges and improved facilities for enter- tainment and relaxation.

221. Tuberculosis continued to present a problem and the average daily number of tuberculosis cases in the prison during the year was 90. Since March 1958, the Medical Department's Mobile Muss Miniature X-ray Unit has visited the prison at short intervals to X-ray all new prisoners and, as already mentioned, a Medical Officer of the Tuberculosis Service pays weekly visits to the prison to supervise treatment.

222. During the year 8,574 mass miniature and 667 large films were taken. As a result of these 229 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed and segregated.

223. Venereal diseases continued to be common and the total of new cases dealt with was 3,757, Weekly clinics were conducted at the prison by a Medical Officer of the Social Ilygiene Service.

224. Dental treatment continued to be provided by a Government Dental Surgeon regularly visiting the prison twice per month. A total of 623 cases were dealt with by him.

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