willow court – Page 4 – Willow Court Tasmania

Whats new?

March 20, 2014 No Comments

Glad you asked. We have started to scan the Board of Inquiry Report into the Royal Derwent Hospital and Millbrook Rise and load it onto our new tab. So far we have “witness 9’s” account of a staff smacking a child. Each witness was cross-examined in this formal hearing as were those accused of mistreatment and those that had seniority within the management structure. Some cases were dismissed and some were found to be correct accounts of what had occurred. The document draws heavily from the xerox transcript of evidence given by each participant. The Board had the power to summons witnesses to give evidence and it was clear that this was used to get reluctant witnesses to be interviewed and cross-examined. While there are many mixed views of the Hospital and it’s care provision throughout it’s life there were many inquiries both formal and in-formal held during the life of the institution.

Changes to our name has brought us into a new faze, Willow Court History Group instead of Willow Court Advocacy Group means that the evolution continues as we grow and expand. Now with over 530 members on the Willow Court Facebook page and group means we can watch and participate in the restoration and gathering of historical documents, films, photos and interviews. Telling the rich social history of the human struggle from both Staff and Residents alike. C lick the picture (right) to go to the Report Tab

We have change the header on all the webpages to the original letter head used on official documentation from Willow Court Centre. This has already brought back memories for some staff that are members of the group. We have also changed the introduction page and will slowly change all documentation to reflect our new name and ideals.

Global, Local

Minutes Willow Court Review 1988

March 16, 2014 No Comments

Articles Page Free documentation about Willow Court.

Previously unreleased and unpublished:

Notes of meeting held to discuss the outcomes of the institutional living program review on Tuesday 17 May 1988

Discussions about staffing arrangements from both Management and Staff representatives around the future of the Institutional Living Program. This paper outlines some of the actions and proposals for closure of wards and opening of Group homes. Present are Willow Court Management, Health Commission Management and Unions and professional bodies representing the very different levels of the workforce at Willow Court.

Global, Local

Report of the Board of Inquiry

March 7, 2014 4 Comments

These are three volumes and form part of the final unpublished report from the Board of Inquiry into the treatment practices at Royal Derwent Hospital and Mill Brook Rise Hospitals. Concluded approximately in 1979 the report heard from a number of parents and witnesses that had issues with the treatment and the duty of care of the hospital staff. Each witness was cross-examined in this formal hearing as were those accused of mistreatment and those that had seniority within the management structure. Some cases were dismissed and some were found to be correct accounts of what had occurred. The document draws heavily from the xerox transcript of evidence given by each participant. The Board had the power to summons witnesses to give evidence and it was clear that this was used to get reluctant witness to be interviewed and cross-examined. While there are many mixed views of the Hospital and it’s care provision throughout it’s life there were many inquiries both formal and in-formal held in the life of the institution.

Susan Piddock is an Australian renowned published author and authority on Australian Asylums and is studying Asylums throughout Australia. She has a keen interest in comparing institutions that started from a Convict past to those that had a free settler past as she believes there are key fundamental differences in the care provided through to the look and feel of the buildings. While that history is being written within academic circles the general history of each institution around Australia is being written, often by ex-staff who have/had a passion for the care provision given to patients who were admitted to institutions such as Royal Derwent Hospital.

One of my questions has always been, who is writing the history? It is often said that the victor writes the history of any human struggle and so that history will reflect one view, one perception of events. Often the patients that attended such institutions could not write the history and still would be limited to do so. This is were these documents come into play because they offer an evidence based and cross examined view of the events, judged by people whom have the qualifications, impartiality and experience to write this part of the history.

Of coarse there has to be a context and the documented witnesses even testify to the hard work and dedication of the majority of staff providing care withing these institutions. Also there needs to be a context of time around these documents, what was acceptable practice at the time and what is now? While many would view these documents as negative, they are part of the history, as mixed as it was. They serve the voiceless patients of this institution and those like it by looking into and investigating complaints, verifying and validating some experience and clearing the institution of any wrong doing in other cases.

Is this only valid for historical institutional settings or is it still valid today? It has become clear that where there are vulnerable people their will be abuse, it is a history that is still repeating it self today as it was in 1979 or 1879 for that matter. Resent cases in the United Kingdom serve as clear examples of abuse to a vulnerable population. So if the majority of people don’t participate in abusing actions or cover ups, why don’t they speak out? It is said that up to 70% of people will not get involved when there is an abuse being perpetrated and most fear in someway for reprisals should they step up to the mark and become that witness. History has also told that this is possible and probable when strong and aggressive personalities are allowed to permeate a care setting.

Undercover Care: The Abuse Exposed was a classic case of a workplace culture that was out of control and dominated by a small number of staff. Elder Abuse; Panorama BBC was another care provider that was exposed as delivering services that were abusing and less then best practice. Yet in an interview with Doctor Sheridan Forster in 2010 Dr Forster expressed that the best care provider for people with multiple learning disabilities PMLD that she has witnessed was an institution in the Netherlands. Dr Forster is one of Australia’s leading Academics in the support of PMLD here in Australia and has traveled and studied extensively in many countries. So it is not the institution that is abusive but the culture within a workplace/home that leads to less then best practices.

How does a care provider ensure that every step is taken to never expose a vulnerable person to abuse? We have criminal police checks, which most places, if not already mandatory, will have a policy and procedure in place to eliminate potential staff with relevant histories that have been historically exposed. Regular and unannounced visits from family, management and advocates should be welcomed in any care establishment and should be embedded within the culture of the home. A connection between the ever increasing divide of staff and management should be encouraged and employment practices should be reviewed inline with the latest evidence base practice. Strong laws that allow people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities to participate within the legal system. Whistle blower policy and procedures and independent investigation of suspicions activity and allegations should be funded and available. Support staff should also educate people to communicate about abuse when they recognise it.

Global, Local

Willow Court Report by Brett Noble, Senior Project Manager.

February 26, 2014 No Comments

Report:

What has been happening at the site during the last couple of months?

Quite a lot.

As with any project of this nature, a lot of time and energy is being devoted to planning and detailing the works , which doesn’t immediately translate into visible activity on the site. The Development Application (DA) and heritage permit are now secured. Tenders and negotiations with contractors for substantial elements of the works are well progressed. Getting the sequence of works right — between conservation, visitor access and services — has been organised, but is an ongoing management task.

If you walk past the site along The Avenue today you will see a very active construction site.

Ø Scaffolding has gone up around The Barracks, in preparation for roof plumbing and painting

Ø Landscape works have begun in the Barracks forecourt and along the access route to The Avenue

Ø The Barracks windows and doors have been uncovered and restored to working order

Ø The Barracks verandah posts have been repaired and painted and the base rendered in preparation for lime washing

Ø Work has also begun inside the south wing of The Barracks.

Ø Five rooms have been selected to be opened up for visitors.

Ø A considerable amount of carpentry, masonry and rendering work has already been completed

Ø One room has been lime washed

Interior works will be continued, but roofing works will be the priority while scaffolding is up. The scaffolding will be up around The Barracks for about four weeks, and then will be erected around Bronte in preparation for roofing works there.

Work has also begun on an inventory of artefacts held in storage, supported by an Arts Tasmania grant. The focus of this work is on understanding what has been collected, how to keep it in good condition, and what items will help tell a story for visitors.

We have found some interesting bits and pieces but haven’t yet got to the point of deciding what to do in relation to displays and the like. Local contractors and specialists from around the state are being used. It is pretty busy on site at the moment. We are still looking at an April finish, but it is getting pushed back a bit – these things do take time and there is a lot of work to sequence and get through. Hopefully we will not get an unexpected holdup.

Thanks

Brett

Brett Noble

Senior Project Manager (Willow Court Project)

For a full overview of the restoration works you can visit our Restoration Page

Global, Local

ASSID letter to Hon Ray Groom, Minister for Health Tasmania 1988

February 25, 2014 No Comments

(ASSID) Australian Society For The Study Of Intellectual Disability is a disability peak body that studies and presents best practice within the Australian Disability Support Industry.

ASID has a clearly stated mission

Mission:

To improve the quality of life for people with an intellectual disability.

Strategic Goals:

The goals of the Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability are:

to be an independent authority on intellectual disability issues across Australasia;
to forge interaction between intellectual disability research, policy and practice;
to lead the development of strategic partnerships;
to engage and strengthen membership; and
to ensure sound governance.

ASSID Document

This is the document that was written to the Minister for Health in Tasmania, Mr Ray Groom by the National President of ASSID Australia, Mr Ron Joachim encouraging him to proceed with the de-institutionalisation process of Willow Court Centre and not to fall prey to ideas of community education and understanding which would slow or stop the process. While the impact of the closure was going to be offset by land release and development according to Government papers, the reality of the closure was strongly felt within a close knit community and has left a long lasting and painful memory.

A range of documents are available on the “articles page” to read and study more about Willow Court Centre.

Global, Local

Ree Pettifer’s report of Willow Court Centre

January 17, 2014 No Comments

In September 1989 Ree Pettifer released her report and final recommendation to The Hon. J. Jackson, Minister for Community Services. As the Minister for Health and Human Services from 1998 to 2002, Judy was instrumental in deinstitutionalising of mental health and disablity services at Willow Court Centre/ Royal Derwent Hospital.

Ree Pettifer was asked to prepare a report “Review of Clinical Nursing Practice Institutional Living Program Willow Court Centre. This report has never been publicly available. Below are the recommendations from the report.

SUMMARY OF: RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. that priority be given to the environmental needs of the residents of Esperance House.
2. that a written maintenance ‘program be developed for each house and surrounds.
3. that maintenance requirements be classified and prioritised in accordance with the overall development plans for Willow Court Centre.
4. that routine surveillance for maintenance be undertaken and a preventative maintenance program be developed.
5. that essential furniture and personal needs of residents of each house be assessed and appropriate action taken
6. that the daily routine on each house be reviewed and adjusted to reflect a culturally normative “rhythm of life”.
7. that the laundering service is urgently re-examined with due consideration to the establishment of a properly equipped personal clothing section including a dry cleaning service.
8. that regular review of the menus be conducted in consultation with a dietician.
9 that progress toward the maintenance and re-establishment of family contacts be continued.
10. that consideration be given to the establishment of a resident advocacy program.
11. that the restrictions imposed on freedom of movement in each house be reviewed in accordance with individual resident needs.
12. that a medical records consultant be engaged to advise on the format and maintenance of the medical records system.
13. that individual continence programs be developed for residents and appropriate aids utilised.
14 that an active Occupational Health and Safety Committee be established and regular surveillance undertaken.
15. that the Infection Control Committee include standards pertaining to all sanitation techniques within the policy and procedure manual.
16. that regular surveillance of infection control practices be undertaken and pertinent findings submitted to appropriate personnel.
17. that emergency evacuation procedures be rehearsed at least once a year.
18. that a balance between individual, ward, centre and leisure programs be established and appropriate in-service programs for staff developed and implemented.
19. that a philosophy, long term and short term objectives be developed in accordance with the philosophy of Willow Court Centre.
20. that objectives for each committee be developed and that appropriate evaluation of the committees activities be measured on an annual basis.
21. that meetings be held with various categories of staff at regular intervals.
22. that the Director of Nursing be involved in the development of the budget for the Institutional Living Program.
23. that senior nursing staff be encouraged to undertake management training.
24. that review of the nursing staff establishment and staff skill mix be undertaken in conjunction with a review of the responsibilities and tasks of the various categories of staff.
25. that clearly defined policies for the allocation and rostering of staff be developed.
26. that consideration be given to undertaking negotiation between unions and management in regard to the two-on, two-off twelve hour shift pattern.
27. that a review of the current staff appraisal.
28. that a review of the current staff appraisal system be undertaken.
29. that trials be undertaken to determine appropriate modalities of care delivery.
30. that a complete review of the nursing documentation system be undertaken.
31. that a policy committee for the Institutional Living Program be established with representation from all categories of nursing staff.
32 that appropriate review and follow up of all accidents, errors and serious disruptive incidents be undertaken on a regular basis.
33. that an appropriate in-service education program be developed and implemented.
34. that a Quality Assurance Committee be established to develop an appropriate quality assurance program for the Institutional Living Program.

Global, Local

Many mixed memories

January 7, 2014 2 Comments

Had a wonderful day at New Norfolk last weekend, lots to visit and see. We had lunch at the Patchwork Café (Therapeutic Centre/School house) and I would recommend it. For those that don’t know the area as well, this is in the privately owned and operated section of Willow Court and has budget accommodation, antique shops and a craft shop.

There was a note left in the visitors book at the nurse’s quarters, pictured above. You are never far away from a diverse opinion when up at Willow Court. While the author writes that this is not a place to celebrate, it could be said that the human struggle that took place there is something to celebrate, as victory over an oppressive system (for some) did happen and many remember their time as residents and staff with fondness.

It really screams “social restoration” which would allow everyone to tell their story from their view. That would and should include the past residents as well.

Global, Local

Media coverage for the opening of Willow Court?

January 2, 2014 No Comments

The Derwent Valley Council is about to open the restored Willow Court heritage precinct late February or early March, so how are they going to get the word out to the Tasmanian community and the tourists that it hopes to attract? This is a good question and the DVC have been sitting on the domain name “willowcourt.org.au” for nearly two years, it is going to be good to see what the DVC will reveal.

It would have been good to have the website already running so the local community can see what is happening from the official channels and know what type of activities and attractions will be available in a couple of months time.

This will be the revealing of the master plan and the large “Port Arthur” style attraction, it could only be expected that a media package equal to the sites heritage values be applied as soon as possible. It is also unclear what level of local employment will be generated by the opening. No positions vacant have been seen yet in the public domain.

Communication between the DVC and the Council Committees has been limited and the plans of council have not been revealed to the volunteer support base, that are the Friends of Willow Court, who normally run open days and arts events at the site. Local business that will have to cater for the opening have not been advised about an opening date or what to expect. Normally with an event this large in Tasmania some months of planning would be expected and would be well underway. A skeleton of the event and how the Council are going to management it could be shared.

We look forward to the opening, the events and wonder how the previous residents/patients are to be involved?

Global, Local

2013 Report Card

December 26, 2013 No Comments

The biggest news story for the year would have to be the start of the physical restoration of the Barracks and Bronte Ward. Although the Derwent Valley Council have reported that

“The former psychiatric institution is recognised as having significant heritage values both in terms of its architecture and social history. After a chequered past, work is now being done to ensure its conservation for future generations and to look at adaptive reuse for some of the original buildings on the site”. (2012-13 annual report, page 9)

It appears that restoration is currently only for the architectural side only at the moment. However it is important that the DVC can see the “social history” from all parties who had something to do with the former hospital. It is this rich cultural heritage that should be shown to the world when the Derwent Valley Council opens the site to the public this Feb-March 2014.

We started the years off with being involved with the open days at the site and we released a 40 minute documentary to view free Willow Court Documentary (first public release). We then attended the Frascati House Heritage Day and made a podcast of the history that was spoken by the Daughter of Dr Brothers the Medical Superintendent during the second world war when she lived at the house with her brothers Frescati Heritage Open Day Our recording is now used as part of the New Norfolk Heritage Walk tour. Frescati House Plan (including audio link)

Tasmania was hit hard during the fire season and the Friends of Willow Court swung into action to raise much needed money for effected people with the Long Table Dinner Tasmanian Bushfire Fundraiser. This was cancelled by the actions of Cr. Judy Bromfield when she knowingly and deliberately stopped the insurance cover for people who were arranged as catering staff and had the necessary qualifications to serve alcohol for the evening’s event, Shame Cr Judy Bromfield Shame.

Another unfortunate event this year has been the Derwent Valley Council’s supported and sponsored “Paranormal Documentary”. This unpleasant work was reported to the Anti-discrimination and Privacy Commissioners, who found it to be in bad taste towards the previous patients who lived at Willow Court, but didn’t find it to be openly discriminatory. However the Privacy Commissioner believes if one of the previous residents depicted in this film should forward a complaint, there can be action taken to have the film maker remove the Archival footage obtained through Archives Tasmania. Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner Steps In

Tasmania released its tourism statement to the world in March this year and Willow Court was to be part of that promotion as arranged by Willow Court Tasmania Advocacy Group, only to be told that Council infighting causes exclusion to Tourism Tasmania advertising campaign.

Some great moments were the audio recording of Ken O’Brien’s recollection of his 90 plus years living in a community with a hospital as its main employer. Some of Ken’s podcast can be found on the audio tab and linked to this article, posted soon after the interview. Royal Derwent Hospital’s water supply, sewage and sullage systems. Ken’s living witness and this 1941 Agreement help us to resolve the many stories that had emerged from the community about what the tunnels under the township were used for. Tunnel discovery announced.

We also released an ABC 7.30 Report about “institutionalisation to community” and how a group of ex-patients were successfully making a new life in the greater community of Hobart, Tasmania. ABC 7.30 Report 1991.

The Tasmanian Heritage Council Approved New Shopping Centre next to Willow Court which will dominate the oval area, while the previous Wards around that oval passed to private ownership, with some major works starting.

The Derwent Valley Players, in conjunction with the Friends of Willow Court, presented two original plays, written by Sharon Hutchison and directed by Vivienne de Bressac at the Barracks. Willow Court, New Norfolk, was the site of a wonderful event over the week-end this was the last public event before the restoration started.

The website had 100,000, then 200,000 hits this year and continues to grow as does the Facebook group and Facebook page which shows many people are interested in Willow Court becoming a “site of conscience”, a place that saw human struggles and achievement. Our members join without the admin “nominating” them. This is a better and realistic gage of true support.

The new Restoration Tab took shape with reports and photos of the progress of works at the site and continues to record the restoration processes.

This year has also seen a big push for an apology to the former residents which dominated and brought up many mixed feelings from residents and staff alike, New article from Margaret Reynolds in today’s Mercury plus a news article from 1960, Mayor to meet with Lara Giddings over “Apology” We saw the DVC declare its position about the history and struggle of human rights in this article Derwent Valley Council; crisis talks over apology, No voice for previous patients from Mayor Martyn Evans.

The Federal election this year gave us an opportunity to contact all the candidates for the seat of Lyons and ask their opinion about Willow Court becoming a Site of Conscience. We had replies from the Tasmania Greens and the sitting Labor candidate Federal Election 2013 Lyons and we are arranging a meeting with the current elected Member, Eric Hutchinson in early 2014. All are supportive for an Apology to mend the past wrongs of Government policy and inaction at Willow Court as advocated by us and many parents and former staff and management.

A highlight this year was the tour from the Project Manager Brett Noble and being able to share a portion of the photos that I took while listening to this man’s immense knowledge and experience with restoration of Tasmania’s Heritage Willow Court tour of closed Barracks section

We also saw the podcasts of the social history and audio tour by ex-employee, Anne McKinstray being used as educational tools for students from Fahan School by having them loaded onto I-pads and listened to during a wander around the site. Educational Audio Tour.

We also had a number of very personal stories shared, A personal story, Nurse Miss Evelyn Rose Morey M.B.E.

In a year that I thought we had little activity, it was good to look back at the history of what we have been up to at a volunteer work level, political level and a public communications level. It was great to have the support page up and running this year with a collections of supporting statements from our support base Contact & Support Us, it is these positive messages that keep up going.

From our team we wish you a happy and safe new year and we would love to see you at the opening of the NEW RESTORED WILLOW COURT in 2014.

Mark Krause

Global, Local

Nurse Miss Evelyn Rose Morey M.B.E

December 26, 2013 5 Comments

About the same time as Millbrook Rise opened in 1934 Matron Jane Power M.B.E handed in her resignation from the position of Matron. Miss Evelyn Rose Morey AANS (pictured left) was then appointed as Matron of Mental Diseases Hospital New Norfolk and served the institution for 18 years.

The Mercury – Dated 28th April 1934 Reported:
APPOINTMENTS HOBART, Friday. At a meeting of the Executive Council
to-day Miss Evelyn Rose Morey was promoted from the position of
sub-matron to that of matron at the Mental Diseases Hospital at New Norfolk.

Matron Morey witnessed the large construction process that saw the destruction of many old building on the west side of the Lachlan River and construction of the new east hospital, but she wasn’t just a bystander, she was called as a witness before J. H Chamberlain in 1949, who chaired the Parliamentary Standing Committee, looking at the need to have a new hospital and a segregated model that serves people with intellectual disabilities on one side of the hospital and people with mental health issues on the other. Plans were submitted for the construction of a new hospital at the cost of 1,500,000 pounds.

Nurse Evelyn Rose Morey AANS was born in Triabunna, Tasmania on the 2nd of April 1885 and trained at Lyell District Hospital for 5 years
She enlisted on the 17 September 1917 and joined AANS 17 October 1917 aged 32. She embarked AMATS Nestor on the 21 November 1917 and disembarked at Southampton on the 18 January 1918. She took up her post as staff nurse in the 2nd Aust. Aux. Hospital, Southall 19 January 1918, staff nurse at 3rd Aust. Aux. Hospital Dartford 4 February 1918 and staff nurse at 1st Aust Gen Hospital Sutton Veny, 19 October 1919.

She returned to Australia 1 November 1919 per Nestor because she had an injured knee during a fall on the ship, Grace Darling on 7 January 1920 and was recommended “unfit” for general service by the 26 January 1920. Her service was terminated on the 25 February 1920 due to “demobilisation”.

TREASURED COIN SOVEREIGN THAT WAS NOT WANTED (Newspaper clipping)

A sovereign with an interesting history was among the articles disposed of in
competitions at a fair held at New Norfolk on Saturday in aid of the Crippled
Children’s Fund. The Sovereign, which was donated by the matron of
Lachlan Park Hospital (Sister Evelyn Morey) brought 8 pounds 15 shillings.

With nine others it was taken to France during the Great War by Sister
Morey, and when a shop assistant refused to accept it in payment for a pair
of gloves in a French shop, the coin was kept as a treasure. That the novelty
of gaining possession of a sovereign appealed to a great many was
indicated by the amount collected for it on Saturday.

Her Headstone Inscription read:
In Loving Memory of Evelyn Rose Morey M.B.E Late A.A.N.S 1914-1918
Daughter of the late A & E Morey of Okehampton Died 18th January 1953
Aged 69 Years Matron Lachlan Park Hospital for 18 years. Loved by all.

The Mercury notice – dated Monday 19th January 1953:

MOREY. – On January 18, 1953, at Hobart, Evelyn Rose Morey, M.B.E., loved and loving daughter of the late Abraham and Ellen Morey, Okehampton, Triabunna, in the 70th year of her age. Late Sister, Nursing Staff, 1st A.I.F. late Matron, Lachlan Park Hospital, Tasmania.

Truly a life dedicated to the Hospital and service to people with disabilities and mental health issues.

Research by Karen Richards and Mark Krause

Source: Trove, Troubled Asylum

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