Story: Mental health services

First World War troops at Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer

First World War troops at Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer

A health resort at the natural hot springs in Hanmer, North Canterbury, was converted during the First World War into a hospital for war veterans suffering from mental and nervous disorders. Queen Mary Hospital for Sick and Wounded Soldiers had high-quality facilities and treated its patients with sympathy and respect. They often made remarkable recoveries, and eventually similar treatments were used with civilian mental patients.

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Private collection, Philip McManaway

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How to cite this page:

Warwick Brunton, 'Mental health services - Mental hospitals, 1910s to 1930s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/29414/first-world-war-troops-at-queen-mary-hospital-hanmer (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Warwick Brunton, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 5 May 2022