Catalogue description Folios 296-297. The report of a visit made by the Commissioners in Lunacy to the Basford...

Folios 296-297. The report of a visit made by the Commissioners in Lunacy to the Basford Poor Law Union on 3 December 1862, by Mr Gaskell. The form includes details of diet, accommodation and treatment, and of particular cases.

The report starts with the observation that the workhouse is overcrowded and this seriously impacts on the inmates with unsound minds. The 29 inmates classed as idiotic are associated with other paupers and many of them were in poor health. Four of the inmates seen on the last visit on 27 April 1861 are now dead. Three others were found in bed. Those cases mentioned are: George Gibbs suffering from diarrhoea. Samuel Hopewell, a mild alcoholic, stayed in bed as he had no inducement to leave it. It was recommended that his case be referred to the medical officer as one for removal to the asylum. Hannah Knowles was kept constantly in bed due to her infirm state, was inattentive to the calls of nature and was liable to suffer from bed sores. Recommendations were made to improve her straw bed.

Details of diet are given and Gaskell requests that some patients be given extra portions. He concluded by referring again for the urgent need for better accommodation and that there was still no paid nurse available.

Annotated: send copy to guardians for their observations. Send copy to guardians. Plans for increased accommodation in the workhouse have recently been approved by the Poor Law Board.

Paper number: 44398/1982.

Poor Law Union Number: 334.

Counties: Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.