June 13, 2026

Movement as medicine: exercise in early mental health care

As a purpose-built lunatic asylum, the hospital which came into being in Fishponds was from the outset designed to ensure ample space for exercise. In this post we look at the sporting opportunities woven into life at Glenside Hospital, for both staff and patients.
June 13, 2026

Beyond bricks and mortar: hospital design to heal the mind

The environment at Glenside Hospital was considered to be one of the top priorities from its inception as Bristol Lunatic Asylum in 1861. The choice of architectural style and interior design which included many decorative and ornamental features was carefully curated.
June 13, 2026

Sleep and sanity: Why is rest so important?

Each ward had a dormitory with single beds made up for each patient with linen, blankets, and a pillow. Many patients came from poorer backgrounds and may never have had a bed of their own, or had perhaps shared sleeping quarters with relatives. Read this post to explore the role that sleep played at the hospital.
June 11, 2026

Occupational health: The healing power of purpose

How would you feel if you were confined to a hospital ward with nothing to occupy your time, and little or no chance to leave? Placing ourselves in the position of patients within a mental health institution, it becomes clear that purposeful daily activity could play an important role in easing some aspects of their suffering. Read this post to find out how the hospital achieved this.
Electroconvulsive therapy + Ediswan ECT machine
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