UCC SONM 25 Year Book

UCC / School of Nursing and Midwifery

Psychiatric Nursing

Our Lady’s Psychiatric Hospital

Dr. Harry Gijbels

Our Lady’s Hospital in Cork was founded in 1852 and closed in 1997. The origins of training for psychiatric nurses in Cork began in 1894 at Our Lady’s Psychiatric Hospital following the introduction of the Medico-Psychological Association Certificate (MPA). The medical staff started the training of nurses and attendants resulting in the first examination being held in 1894. The Association held a special register for psychiatric nurses who passed their examinations. This ad hoc system of training continued until 1920. The historical developments are detailed in Henry (1999) and Henry and Deady (2001).

Our Lady’s Psychiatric Hospital

In 1919, the General Nursing Council (GNC) of Ireland, was established and prescribed rules for the training of “Mental Nurses” and a supplementary register recognized the title of Registered Mental Nurse (RMN). The MPA Head Office (now the College of Psychiatry) was involved for many years in the setting of the examination papers. Successful candidates were entitled to register with the GNC as well as MPA, an arrangement that continued for many years. In 1934 the GNC introduced its own syllabus and Our Lady’s Hospital participated in both GNC and MPA examinations. By attending formal lectures organized by the Matron and passing the exams set by the Nursing Council, students obtained a certificate and were entitled to be registered for practice as a psychiatric nurse. In 1935 the GNC established formal recognition of Schools of Psychiatric Nursing and in 1937 the GNC recognized Our Lady’s Psychiatric Hospital as a training School. A two-year training system, overseen by medical officers and charge nurses was in place.

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