Christmas at the Hospital

The Festive Season was a special period at the Devon County Mental Hospital and preparations would start long before Christmas Eve. Ward Sisters in particular went to great lengths to ensure that their ward was the most beautifully decorated in the entire Hospital.

Patients could look forward to extra special menus and additional entertainment over the Christmas days, including carol services, dances, ward parties, games competitions, films and, of course, the annual pantomime.

Many volunteer organisations and charities contributed to the festivities.  A WRVS shop set up at the Hospital, for example, allowed patients and staff to do their Christmas shop on site. It also provided an opportunity for patients to sell some of the goods they had produced in their occupational therapy sessions during the year.