In the shadow of the old main building (representative of the past)
we have constructed a building which will make it as easy as possible
for those who are ambulatory to get about, and for staff to more easily
give good nursing care. Beds are low for those who can get up—thus
lessening the possibility of falling. Each person has a chest by his bed
in which he may keep his own things. Patients who are bedridden have
bedside tables that can be adjusted many ways in order to permit them
to carry on those activities which are possible. Mattresses and pillows
are covered with waterproofed ticking, and the beds can be adjusted to
many positions thus adding to the comfort of those whose bodies would
tire and get sore if they had to stay long periods in one position. Sixty
per cent of the wall space is in windows. Bright-colored walls bring
light and cheer. Each ward has its own sitting room. Indeed this build-
ing is representative of the trends in the programs for treating the
mentally ill in Maryland. This is a specific program for the infirm—
most of whom are quite old. I am indeed proud that such a structure
bears my name.

We also are developing other specialized services. Under Dr. Tuerk's
forward looking leadership we are introducing a number of ideas
throughout the Department. Research for the Department is centered
here at Spring Grove, but is actively under way at three other hospitals
and is being expanded to all. We now have alcoholic units in the four
general mental hospitals. Specialized programs for children and adoles-
cents are being developed. A day hospital is planned here at Spring
Grove in one of the buildings from which patients will be moved to this
infirmary. One has already been opened and is operating at full capacity
in the city of Baltimore, financed by the Health Department but staffed
and directed by the Department of Mental Hygiene.

Our hospitals have pre-admission services. A patient or his family
may meet with a social service worker before a person enters the hos-
pital. The patient's problem is considered carefully with the family in
relation to its resources; quite often a plan can be developed that elim-
inates hospitalization. If this is necessary, then the family understands
much more what the hospital can do, and the role the family must play.
Its members are given insight into what is happening within the patient
and how they can be most helpful. When patients come out of the
hospital they are finding more follow-up care open to them. This hos-
pital has such a clinic here on its grounds. Springfield and Crownsville

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