Ward 10 was a high secure ward that was surrounded by a Ha Ha wall and was home for people with florid psychosis.
Ward 10
Past to Present. Memory to Action
7 Comments
I am currently seeking to find my records regarding my time in Ward 10 and later in Ward C after being transfererred there from Risdon Prison in 1967.
I was in prison for breaking and entering and stealing ,for a period of 2.5mths.
I was transferred to Ward 10 where I was held (a patient) for a period of 2-3 weeks and then transferred to Ward C.
You think you have any idea of “patient” care and treatment” -Think again!
I witnessed and was subjected to treatment that you would not give a dog. That was the start!!
History of Lachlan Park and later Royal Derwent,which just happened to have the name change not long after THE MASS ESCAPE FROM MAXIMUN WARDS C and A
ON MARCH 11 1968 and which did not receive any coverage in Tasmanian , or any other newspapers.
It is about time the truth of the events of that time were entered into the books and the NAMES OF “DOCTORS”? ;” NURSES”? “SECURITY STAFF”,are entered into the “official records”.
I can name the names of “Doctors “patients ” and staff ,both “nursing”? and “security” during that period.
I have already documented a lot of what happened there but ,it has never been made public.
I am prepared to share all information and documentation I have with anybody or organisation who is willing to make the TRUE HISTORY OF THE PERIOD OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE “SECURE WARDS” ,7 & 10 -A & C.
The true history of Lachlan Park and later Royal Derwent has never been told!
All the garbage on the internet about “paranormal” at this institution has some basis. Not because tere are “Ghosts & Spirits” but, because of the atmosphere of those Wards.
I do not even know if the Wards 7,10 and in particularA & C still exist.However I would like the truth of what happened there to made a part of the history of that Mental Institution.
I will be returning to Tasmania in the near future and would like to meet somebody who is NOT into the “PARANORMAL” Ghost or “SPIRIT” history and feellings.
I WAS IN WARD 10 and Ward C between 1967 & 1970.
I have many memories ,even after 50 years and when I return to Tasmania I have already requested access to the relevant documents from the Archives Office.
Apart from that I can give you the name of at least female patient who was present in Ward A at the time of the mass escape on March 11 1968.
As I said , I can name names and after 48 years I have access to archive records,even those which have not been released to public perusal.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Yours,
GD SHUKER
Hello Geoff Shuker,
Please contact me through my email address mark@willowcourttasmania.org we are happy to hear and record all the history without fear or favor to any groups. We aren’t paranormals.
Cheers
Mark
Hey Geoff, I’m currently researching the Lachlan Park/Royal Derwent Hospital for an upcoming documentary project. This sounds extremely interesting. If you’re interested, I’m just wondering if you’d be willing to discuss this more in detail over email? Please contact me at hboundaywork@gmail.com. Thanks so much 🙂
Heath, what is you film about?
Cheers
Mark
Hey Geoff, I’m currently researching the Lachlan Park/Royal Derwent Hospital for an upcoming documentary project. This sounds extremely interesting. If you’re interested, I’m just wondering if you’d be willing to discuss this more in detail over email? Please contact me at hboundaywork@gmail.com. Thanks so much 🙂
Thanks Geoff,
I have sent you an email.
Cheers
Mark Krause
“At this time a massive re-building programme was commenced on the Eastern side of the Lachlan River. The first stage was the erection of the Boiler Room, Artisans’ Workshop, Laundry, Kitchen, Food and Hardware Stores and
Wards 1 and 2 followed but not in order of erection. Approximate dates of ward occupation as follows:
Ward 1 13/3/57;
Ward, 2 28/11/57;
Ward 3 29/9/58;
Ward 5 23/6/59;
Ward 8 10/4/59;
Ward 9 10/4/59;
Ward 4 16/7/59;
Ward 7 16/ 3/65;
Wards 6, 10, 11 17/3/65;
Ward 12 – 1/ 1/70.
Ward B renovated and occupied 20/ 9/65.
M Ward 28/6/66;
L Ward rebuilt and occupied – 8/12/67.
A,Ward erected;
C Ward renovated and occupied 9/ 1/68.
With the changeover from the old wards there was a marked improvement in the behaviour of patients. Even though these wards were of the latest design when built some difficulties were experienced by staff in the working of them and structural alterations and additions have been made in the intervening years since their construction. With the occupation of all wards there was a mixture of psychiatric and mentally retarded. In the 1960’s a re-classification of patients was made and the Hospital was divided into East Hospital for the mentally ill and West Hospital for the mentally retarded.”
By Lawrence Edward Cullen from “Royal Derwent Hospital, past to present 1936 – 1978.