Celebrating 140 years of psychiatric care at Downshire

Celebrating 140 years of psychiatric care at Downshire

18 January 2012 - by JOANNE FLEMING

THE life and times of a Downpatrick institution are to be marked in a week-long programme of celebrations.

The 19th century Downshire Hospital is shortly closing its doors, having been at the forefront of psychiatric care for 140 years. Its remaining 40 patients are to be relocated and the majestic Victorian building is to be at the heart of Downpatrick’s new public administration campus.

Central to the programme of events, running from March 11, will be the launch of a book charting the history of the hospital from its days as an asylum to the present day, when the majority of mental health patients are able to receive care in the community.

Sean Kelly’s book A Grand Old Lady, reflects on how the Downshire was a major employer in the area, with many contributions from both medical and non-medical staff.

Speaking at the launch of the celebrations at the Downshire Hospital on Thursday, Sean said he had been overwhelmed with his appeal for contributions to the book.

Associated with the Downshire from 1964 when he began his nursing training, before going on to teach nursing, Sean said any worries he wouldn’t have enough material were soon dispelled.

“People who were associated with the place were nearly falling over themselves to talk to me,” he said. “The problem was there were too many.

“I wanted to have a wide range of people included and there is everyone from maintenance staff to domestic and office staff.”

Reflecting on what hasn’t changed over the Downshire’s long history, Sean said: “The ethos of the place hasn’t changed, along with the buzz and pride of the place.”

A major employer over the years, Sean, who is from Teconnaught, points out that many of the Downshire’s staff were from the local area.

“One of the big advantages was to have made it a local set up with local people, although patients to the Downshire came from all over the country,” he said. “Some have also contributed quite rare photographs to the book.”

Although Sean’s book is currently at the printers, organisers would still welcome and photos or press cuttings which they could exhibit at the Downshire.

“There is no archive, just the site itself,” he said.

Pat McGreevy, Service Improvement Manager for Mental Health Services in the South Eastern Trust, is heading the organising committee for the Downshire celebrations.

“Sean’s book is one of the central features of the celebration week,” he said. “A conference we are holding on the Wednesday is also a highlight, looking at the past, and looking at mental health care in the future.

“Also there will be a patients tea dance. This is not just about the staff.”

Desi Bannon, the Trust’s head of Adult Services, added his thanks to those who had helped make the programme of events possible.

“We hope this building will remain in use by the community in a different way in the years to come, and that in 150 years this majestic building will still be here,” he said.

The celebratory week of events begins on Sunday, March 11, at 3pm with an ecumenical service in the Great Hall, attended by local church leaders and school choirs.

On Tuesday, March 13, the tradition of afternoon dances which took place in the Downshire for many years will be recreated. This special tea dance will bring together current and former residents of the Downshire and the music will be provided by many of those who entertained the patients over the years.

Also on Tuesday, a special evening has been set aside for people who have used the services of Ward 15, and those who cared for them. The guest speaker will be Mark Gilman, of the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse.

Wednesday’s conference marking the transitions and progress in mental health care will be chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes, and the speakers will be Professor Peter Nolan, John Compton and Professor Hugh McKenna.

A short drama about the stigma of mental illness, entitled ‘A Bit Closer To Home’, will also be premiered at the conference.

On the evening of Thursday, March 15, a charity traditional folk music concert will take place in the Great Hall. Proceeds from the concert will benefit two charities: Mindwise in Downpatrick and Suicide Awareness and Support Group, Belfast.

The closing event on Friday, March 16, will be a reception for former staff, including the formal launch of Sean Kelly’s book A Grand Old Lady.

The premiere of a short drama ‘The Tools of Engagement’ will also take place at this event.

In addition, a number of events will continue throughout the week. Sean Kelly will do several readings from his book and there will also be a week-long photographic exhibition, depicting the history of the Downshire and featuring local photographer Bobbie Hanvey.

There will also be a showing of art work from current and former patients. All events are in the Great Hall, unless otherwise specified.

Anyone who would like more information about the events should contact Pat McGreevy on (028)44 613311 Ext 3482 or by emailing pat.mcgreevy@setrust.hscni.net