Improving Psychiatric Care for Older People
Barbara Robb’s Campaign 1965-1975
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Springer International Publishing AG
Published:2nd Oct '17
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
"Hilton's study reveals the development of a two tier system in post-war mental health services, in which political and medical apathy and insular institutional cultures condemned vulnerable older patients to degrading treatment. Barbara Robb's campaign highlights the difficulties facing those who challenge substandard care practices, and the need to remain vigilant to the care of vulnerable people in today's society." (Vicky Long, Senior Lecturer in History, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK) "Barbara Robb succeeded from both her sheer force of personality and her unerring instinct for how to engage with the media and with government - this book could double as a handbook to any campaigner seeking to highlight and reform injustices." (Amanda Thompsell, Chair, Old Age Faculty, Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK) "Claire Hilton has reminded us of an iconic woman who singlehandedly did so much to change and improve the care of people who have mental health problems. This seminal work should be read by students of all disciplines who are studying for a career in working with the mentally ill." (Peter Carter OBE, former general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, UK)
This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.
This book tells the story of Barbara Robb and her pressure group, Aid for the Elderly in Government Institutions (AEGIS).
This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.
This book tells the story of Barbara Robb and her pressure group, Aid for the Elderly in Government Institutions (AEGIS). In 1965, Barbara visited 73-year-old Amy Gibbs in a dilapidated and overcrowded National Health Service psychiatric hospital back-ward. She was so appalled by the low standards that she set out to make improvements. Barbara’s book Sans Everything: A case to answer was publicly discredited by a complacent and self-righteous Ministry of Health. However, inspired by her work, staff in other hospitals ‘whistle-blew’ about events they witnessed, which corroborated her allegations. Barbara influenced government policy, to improve psychiatric care and health service complaints procedures, and to establish a hospitals' inspectorate and ombudsman. The book will appeal to campaigners, health and social care staff and others working with older people, and those with an interest in policy development in England, the 1960s, women’s history and the history of psychiatry and nursing.
“Claire Hilton’s book brings to life the story of a remarkable woman’s crusade to improve services for older people in the 60’s and 70’s. … Anyone working with older people or anyone interested in the history of services for vulnerable will find this book a fascinating book with useful insights to help improve future services.” (Anitha Howard, Old Age Psychiatrist, Issue 70, January, 2018)
“Buy the hardcopy to treasure, to read and to share with others. It tells the story of a talented woman whose original ambition was frustrated by injury. … We learn of the reluctance of the establishment to believe her and other witnesses … . It is here and needs to be read, loud and clear so that we can register a proper appreciation of what Barbara Robb did.” (Susan Mary Benbow, oldermindmatters.com, November, 2017)
“This is a book that is essential reading for those interested in the history and development of psychiatric and learning disability practice. … a goldmine of references that will provide on-going reading for researchers and students. It is well written with an engaging style. … This is a book for everyone working in health and social care services. It is also a book for the general public and those who are interested in wider social issues.” (Ibadete Fetahu, Nursing Times, nursingtimes.net, October, 2017)
ISBN: 9783319548128
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 5005g
283 pages
1st ed. 2017