Louisiana citizens can justifiably tak3 pride in the state's new mental hospital at Mandeville.
Called one of the finest in the country, it has drawn high praise from visiting experts from the U. S. Public Health Service and the American Psychiatric Association.
A group of newsmen, who accepted an invitation to tour the nearly completed hospital recently, found it a marvel of up-to-date equipment in the hands of two capable executives—Charles F. Kasischke, administrator, and Dr. G.W. Davis, clinical director. Though relatively young, both have had considerable experience in their fields.
The hospital is now caring for 101 patients. When its newest building is completed, it will have room for 368. This building will house the administrative offices,X-ray room, neurosurgery, electrocardiograph, observation rooms and an infirmary. :
These facilities have been placed temporarily in part of the patients' building, a quadrangle affair containing dormitories, cafeterias, recreation rooms, treatment and therapy rooms.
Treatment consists primarily of electric and insulin shocks, and group therapy. And Mandeville's chief concern is with the curable cases.
To weed out the congenitally ill and the victims of old-age disorders, the hospital accepts only those under 55 who have not been sick more than five years.
Because of the laws under which it operates, the hospital must accept epileptics and the feeble-minded who also have psychoses.
It must take alcoholics. But Dr. Davis is hopeful that eventually separate .'facilities will be set up to treat the special problem of alcoholism.
Provisions of the laws which govern Mandeville have worked a hardship on admissions. An'apparent conflict between two statutes passed by the last Legislature has made it difficult to determine the exact procedure to be used in admitting patients.
However, the Louisiana Medical Society is working on proposed changes in the laws. And the U. S. Public Health Service has recently drafted a model law which, it is hoped, will also be considered.PHOTO CAPTION READS: DR. EDWARD GRANT, head of the State Board of Institutions, inspects occupational therapy work.
