Enfield Receiving House, later Enfield Hospital (GA1993)

In 1913, the Mental Defectives Act was passed.

As a result of this legislation, the term 'lunatic' was officially changed to 'mental defectives'. The term mental defective encompassed both mental illness and mental retardation. The Act also provided for the establishment of a receiving house, where potential patients could go for observation and temporary treatment without being certified and sent to the mental hospital.

Such a receiving house was not established until June 22, 1922 when Enfield Receiving House was opened on a 20 acre block at Enfield. At this time the Mental Defectives Act, 1913 was also amended. (1) Initially, the Enfield Receiving House reported to the Mental Defectives Board and was subject to regular inspection by both the Board, and the Inspector-General of Hospitals.

The Enfield Receiving House was established as a 'short term' establishment where treatment was directed towards early discharge. Generally, the duration of a stay in a receiving house was a few months, terminating in either transfer to one of the 'long term' institutions or in discharge. (2)

When the Enfield Receiving House opened in 1922, it had accommodation for 43 patients, which comprised 23 males and 20 females. In the first six months of operation, the House admitted 97 patients, with the daily average number of residents 18.47. The House was established with the following staff: Visiting Superintendent, Visiting Deputy Superintendent, Matron, Sister in Charge, Steward and Dispenser as well as nurses, attendants and domestics. (3)

By 1929 the Receiving House was treating 336 patients, of which number 297 were admitted. Of these patients, 128 were transferred to Parkside Mental Hospital and 159 were discharged. Of those discharged, 126 were recovered, 28 were relieved and 5 were not relieved. The daily average number of patients was 37.

Various forms of amusement and entertainment were provided for the patients, which included: walks, sewing and fancy work, skipping, cricket, football, quoits, cards etc. The Methodist Choir also provided regular musical services to the patients. (4)

In 1963 Enfield Receiving House became known as Enfield Hospital, although it continued to be known also as 'House' or 'Home'.

On 1st July, 1979 Enfield Hospital incorporated with Hillcrest Hospital under a single board of management. (5)

In 1981-1982 a significant number of changes took place within the Mental Health Services of the State. Many of these changes were made in parallel with the newly adopted sector administrative arrangements of the South Australian Health Commission which were introduced on 1 July 1981. (6)

In 1981 Enfield Hospital was providing specific purpose rehabilitation programs, and by 1982 all patients had been transferred to Hillcrest Hospital. The final patient admission entry for Enfield Hospital is recorded on 5/2/1981 (GRS12214)

Sources:

(1) South Australian Parliamentary Papers, Paper No 21 of 1923, Annual report of the Mental Defectives Board

(2) South Australian Year Book, 1969, p 227.

(3) South Australian Parliamentary Papers, Paper No 21 of 1923, Annual Report of the Mental Defectives Board

(4) South Australian Parliamentary Papers, Paper No 21 of 1929, Annual Report of the Mental Defectives Board

(5) South Australian Parliamentary Papers, Paper No 21 of 1978, Annual Report of the Director General, Mental Health Services of SA

(6) South Australian Year Book, 1983, p 272.