OT History Matters is seeking interest from Physiotherapy colleagues on a project about the history of mental health in Wales. They have made contact with the IPHA and provided the information below:
This note introduces a new project in Wales. If any physiotherapy colleagues are interested in this era (circa 1900s-1940s), early physiotherapy in mental health or in Wales, please let us know at othistorymatters@outlook.com
Background
The project began serendipitously, following a connection on Twitter between Gwawr Falconbridge from the Whitchurch Historical Society, Whitchurch Hospital / Ysbyty’r Eglwys Newydd @WhitchurchHosp and OT History Matters @HistoryOt since July 2022, Gwawr and I have been studying the history of occupational therapy in Wales, drawing on published work and some Whitchurch Annual Reports.
Initial findings
They confirm the neglect of histories in Wales; that there were progressive mental health services in Cardiff from 1908 when the hospital opened; these were led by Dr Edwin Goodall, the first Medical Superintendent and Florence Raynes (pictured with nursing staff), the first Matron; and that Whitchurch Hospital was an early adopter of occupational therapy and perhaps physiotherapy. These findings counter the narrative that “The development of mental health psychiatry and society services in Wales lagged behind England” (Hall 2016, p326).
Physiotherapy
There is evidence of physiotherapy at Whitchurch. It may have been introduced by Matron Raynes, a trained Masseuse. She is on the UK, Physiotherapy and Masseuse Registers (1895 -1980) between 1909-14. During both World Wars, Whitchurch was an Emergency Service Hospital, treating military personnel. Three annual reports are digitised and accessible at https://wellcomecollection.org/works?query=Cardiff+City+Mental+Hospital For example, the 37th Annual report for 1944 refers to a physiotherapy department on p6 and work undertaken as a war hospital on p10.
Next steps
The initial findings are significant for occupational therapy. This is why we are exploring historical research and partnerships with the view to drawing up a plan for further work. Professor Judith Pettigrew, University of Limerick, an occupational therapy historian, has agreed to act as a critical friend. So far we have approached the University of Cardiff (in 2024 they will be marking the 60th anniversary of occupational therapy education in Wales) and the History of Nursing Forum of the Royal College of Nursing.
We hope the International Physiotherapy History Association will be interested in this nascent project. Please let us know: send any comments or questions to othistorymatters@outlook.com
