Kew Asylum

Kew Asylum was a psychiatric hospital located in Kew, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Established in 1871, it was one of the largest and most prominent psychiatric institutions in Victoria. The facility was initially designed to alleviate overcrowding at the Yarra Bend Asylum, the first permanent institution to house the mentally ill in Victoria. Over its operational years, Kew Asylum played a significant role in the evolution of psychiatric care in Australia, reflecting the changing attitudes and approaches to mental health care over time.

History

The foundation of Kew Asylum in the early 1870s marked a significant expansion in the care facilities available for the mentally ill in Victoria. The site was chosen for its elevated position and its perceived therapeutic environment, which was considered beneficial for the recovery of patients. The original buildings were designed in the Italianate architectural style, common for public buildings in Victoria during that period.

Throughout its history, Kew Asylum underwent several name changes, reflecting the evolving language and attitudes towards mental health. It was known as the Kew Lunatic Asylum, Kew Mental Hospital, and finally, Willsmere, after the main building's closure and conversion into residential apartments in the 1990s.

Facilities and Treatment

Kew Asylum was initially built to accommodate 500 patients, but its population quickly exceeded this number due to the ongoing demand for psychiatric care. The facility expanded over time, adding more buildings to house patients and staff, as well as to provide for various treatments and activities. The asylum had its own farm, laundry, and workshops, which were partly operated by the patients as part of their occupational therapy and rehabilitation.

Treatment methods at Kew Asylum evolved from the use of restraints and seclusion to more humane approaches, including occupational therapy, recreational activities, and the introduction of psychiatric medications in the mid-20th century. These changes reflected broader shifts in psychiatric care, moving away from custodial care towards therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches.

Closure and Legacy

Kew Asylum officially closed in 1988, following the trend of deinstitutionalization and the move towards community-based care for people with mental illness. The main buildings and surrounding land were redeveloped into residential apartments, with the site renamed Willsmere. The redevelopment preserved many of the original buildings' architectural features, and the site is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The history of Kew Asylum is a testament to the changing landscape of mental health care in Australia. From its beginnings as a custodial institution to its role in the development of psychiatric treatment and care, the asylum's legacy is a complex reflection of societal attitudes towards mental illness and the individuals affected by it.

See Also

• History of psychiatric institutions
• Deinstitutionalization
• Mental health in Australia