Karori Lunatic Asylum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karori Lunatic Asylum |
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|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Location | Karori, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°17′05″S 174°44′30″E / 41.284682°S 174.741601°E |
| History | |
| Closed | 1873 |
The Karori Lunatic Asylum was a special hospital in Karori, New Zealand. It was the very first hospital of its kind in New Zealand, opening its doors in 1854. This hospital was a place where people with mental health challenges could go for care and support.
Contents
New Zealand's First Asylum
The Karori Lunatic Asylum started in 1854. It was a big step for New Zealand, as it was the first official place for people needing mental health care. The first patient arrived in the same year.
Early Days and Challenges
Even though it was the first, the asylum faced many problems. For a few years, it only had one patient. It wasn't until 1858 that a second patient was admitted. The staff working there were not properly trained. Doctors only visited sometimes, and there wasn't much effort to help patients get better.
Life at the Asylum
Life at the asylum was difficult for the patients. There was a lack of understanding about mental health at the time. By 1871, the hospital had 23 patients. They were dealing with many different kinds of mental health challenges.
The Asylum Closes
The Karori Lunatic Asylum closed its doors in 1873. All the patients were then moved to a newer hospital. This new place was called the Mount View Lunatic Asylum. It was built to offer better care.
What Happened Next?
After the asylum closed, the land was used for something new. In 1975, a school was built on the same grounds. This school is known as Karori School today.
