Myland Court, Severalls Asylum. Colchester. Feb 2008

Myland Court housed the ECT unit, the Mother and Baby Unit and an Ocupational Therapy department. It's definitely the most well preserved part of the asylum that I have seen. It is made up of small cells and long corridors...a bit like a smaller version of the main building. It was a very peaceful, calm place to explore, I could've stayed in there for hours!


Here are some of my photos...






































RA

nice pics mate never seen this place
maybe next time im down that way!!

nice pictures, wouldnt like to think i was waiting in picture 5

boxerheaven said:

nice pictures, wouldnt like to think i was waiting in picture 5

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Most people who have E.C.T. chose to (it's not forced on anyone) and find it highly useful to modulate their moods and behaviour. It's not quite the same as the 'green mile' style electrocution most people picture.

Superb photos, RA. Loving all those gorgeous windows...such lovely light and colours.

Cheers

krela said:

Most people who have E.C.T. chose to (it's not forced on anyone) and find it highly useful to modulate their moods and behaviour. It's not quite the same as the 'green mile' style electrocution most people picture.

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Well its still a deeply unpleasant experience, UK law Currently permits its use on patients detained under the Mental health act 1983 with or without permission. Until very recently at least its use was still common. I know of a case in my own family in the 90's where it was done to treat depression. It turned out to be inefective, distressing and to have a damaging effect on memory. Ultimately causing more problems not less.

ECT is a part of a chapter in medical history that is not undeserving of its dubious reputation. I certainly hope it will be phased out the future and consigned to the same chapter in history as Insulin therapy and the Lobotomy.

Reaperman said:

Well its still a deeply unpleasant experience, UK law Currently permits its use on patients detained under the Mental health act 1983 with or without permission. Until very recently at least its use was still common. I know of a case in my own family in the 90's where it was done to treat depression. It turned out to be inefective, distressing and to have a damaging effect on memory. Ultimately causing more problems not less.

ECT is a part of a chapter in medical history that is not undeserving of its dubious reputation. I certainly hope it will be phased out the future and consigned to the same chapter in history as Insulin therapy and the Lobotomy.

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Whilst agreeing that ECT does have a dubious past, its continued use is in recognition of its reasonable efficacy as a treatment. Cases of intractable depression resistant to medication, for instance, may be referred for a course of ECT - unfortunately like the medication it may not work. If it was not seen as a viable option its use would not be maintained but be it good or bad, it is still seen as an effective treatment.

I too have known people to have it with both positive and negative effect - people who are willing to risk the side effects to relieve long term debilitating illness. I've also seen it performed.

Under the mental health act yes, patients under a certain 'section' may have ECT (or other form of treatment) performed without consent. However voluntary/informal patients can, and do decline treatment.

Histroy is not on the side of ECT - it was in some cases (illegally) metered as a punishment, and in its early days was without anaesthetic + muscle relaxant and horribly crude. However i think it is the wider public that continues to see it as a part of the gothic horrors of lunacy - in fact a while back i saw it depicted on Futurama. Even in exploration it is up there with padded cells as the ultimate in cliches. To be honest, its these outdated and misguided perceptions that need to change first.

Otherwise, good to see a bit more of Myland Court. Nice to see a pic of some of the single rooms - you can almost detect the difference in size between these and the ones in the main hospital.

Pete

Nice pics. I have also seen ECT performed and when the patient is that poor mentally it is a worthwhile attempt to improve their condition and quality of life. I have seen the good results. Provided an adequate level of sedation is given it isn't as barbaric as it was in the old days!