At the royal college of Physicians
and surgeons of Glasgow
and surgeons of Glasgow
Over the years, Mearnskirk was a place of treatment for many different conditions from tuberculosis to poliomyelitis. These conditions are complex and can cause different problems in different patients. Thus, a variety of treatment options had to be available.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious condition mainly affecting the lungs of those infected and is passed on through close -contact, e.g. coughing, sneezing, or spitting. The condition can spread to other parts of the body, causing mobility problems in bones and joints. Tuberculosis was a major problem in cities of the UK throughout the 20th century due to poor living conditions, overcrowded spaces, and poor hygiene. In the early days of tuberculosis research, much treatment was centred on resting the lungs - the antibiotic, streptomycin, hadn’t been discovered, which then became the main mode of treatment. So, tuberculosis patients at Mearnskirk were prescribed a lot of bed rest depending on energy levels, combined with plenty of fresh air and sunlight. The wards had large windows that opened onto patios, where beds could be rolled out for patients to receive heliotherapy.
Poliomyelitis was another condition that resulted in patients being admitted to Mearnskirk. During the 20th century outbreaks of polio occurred worldwide, including the United Kingdom. Often referred to as "infantile paralysis", children were particularly prone to contracting polio, which could lead to muscle weakness and paralysis. Those at Mearnskirk dealing with these side effects of polio would have been put through rounds of physiotherapy to regain some movement and strength. One form of physiotherapy used was hydrotherapy where patients would exercise in the "under water exercise pool" as part of their polio rehabilitation. There are several photos in the collection of the children splashing about in the exercise pool! Thankfully, a vaccine for polio was developed in the 1950s, making cases of the disease much less common.
Mental and emotional wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing in patients, and Mearnskirk did not overlook this. Family members of patients were able to visit the hospital on Sundays, bringing familiar faces to their hospital stay. Many events and activities were put on for the patients, with a variety of visitors meeting and spending time with them. However, not all visitors were human! Dogs had been known to visit the wards of Mearnskirk, an example of pet therapy to put a smile on everyone's face! One dog even performed some circus tricks on the hospital grounds, including walking along a tightrope and jumping through hoops.
"Many features of the hospital owed their existence to Dr Wilson's guidance...it was he who was responsible for the happy and co-operative atmosphere which prevailed."
