Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital

Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located in Tokanui, New Zealand. It was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country, providing care for patients with a wide range of mental health conditions. The hospital was operational from 1912 until its closure in 1997.

History

Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital was established in 1912, following the passing of the Mental Defectives Act in 1911. The hospital was built on a large tract of land, providing ample space for the construction of various buildings and facilities. Over the years, the hospital expanded to include a number of different wards, each catering to a specific category of mental health conditions.

In the early years, the hospital was self-sufficient, with its own farm, bakery, and laundry facilities. Patients were often involved in the day-to-day running of these facilities as part of their therapy. This approach was in line with the prevailing therapeutic community model of care.

The hospital was closed in 1997 as part of a nationwide shift towards community-based care for people with mental health conditions. The buildings and land were subsequently sold off, and the site is now used for a variety of purposes.

Facilities

Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital was made up of several different buildings, each serving a specific purpose. These included the main hospital building, various ward buildings, staff accommodation, and service buildings such as the laundry and bakery.

The hospital also had extensive outdoor areas, including a farm and gardens. These were used both for practical purposes, such as growing food, and for therapeutic activities for patients.

Treatment

Treatment at Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital was based on the therapeutic community model. This involved patients participating in the day-to-day running of the hospital and its facilities, with the aim of promoting independence and social skills.

Over the years, the hospital also made use of various other treatment methods, including psychotherapy, drug therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.

Closure and Aftermath

The closure of Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital in 1997 was part of a wider shift in New Zealand's mental health policy. The move towards community-based care meant that large institutions like Tokanui were no longer seen as the best way to care for people with mental health conditions.

Since the closure, the hospital buildings have been used for a variety of purposes, including as a film set. The land has also been redeveloped, with some areas now used for housing.

See Also

• History of psychiatric institutions
• Mental health in New Zealand