After 1808, to meet public concern, public asylums developed as totally locally
financed and controlled non-profit making institutions for both paupers and
paying patients, until 1949. Government had no powers except to inspect, and
advise on humanity and physical care. The insane continued at home, or went
to the workhouse, or private or public asylum. Legally after 1828 every asylum
of 100 beds or more had to have a full-time resident apothecary to treat the
numerous physical ills in the heterogeneous population. Concerned with diet,
hygiene and nursing care, he became administrative head under a ruling
committee which controlled all finance, until 1949.
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