THE HISTORY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT ST. PATRICK'S HOSPITAL, DUBLIN: 1945-1962

Background: Researching the history of occupational therapy provides insight into present day beliefs and practices. In early 20th century Ireland, nurses, attendants, craft workers and artists worked in occupational therapy... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Researching the history of occupational therapy provides insight into present day beliefs and practices. In early 20th century Ireland, nurses, attendants, craft workers and artists worked in occupational therapy departments. This paper examines the development of occupational therapy at St. Patrick’s Hospital Dublin from 1945-1962.
Method:
Historical documentary research methods were used to construct a chronological case study of occupational therapy at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin. Minutes of the Hospital Board meetings, Mental Hospital Inspector reports, a history of the hospital (Malcolm 1989) and an oral history interview with Olga Gale were analysed for evidence of early occupational therapy from 1945-1962.
Results:
Occupational therapy was used at the hospital from 1945-1962. The department was run by a number of individuals, most notably Olga Gale who was the first person employed in the occupational therapy department by Dr. Norman Moore. Occupational therapy consisted mainly of craft work, including basketry, glove making, and art. A social therapist named Irene Gray was employed in 1958, providing social activities such as plays, debating, and an annual garden fete. There was significant investment in the occupational therapy department in the early 1960s.
Conclusion:
Occupational therapy was a significant aspect of treatment as St. Patrick’s Hospital Dublin from 1946-1962. The results provide an insight into broader occupational therapy practice at the time and the context within which occupational therapy developed.
Application to Practice:
Understanding the history of the use of occupation in mental health settings is supportive of the use of occupation focused intervention today.