ABSTRACT

An analysis pertains to the one Special Hospital, with comparative reference to the others, easily distinguished in the account. Special Hospitals are designated for those detained under the 1983 Mental Health Act, whom 'the Secretary' considers requiring 'treatment under conditions of special security on account of their dangerousness, violent or criminal propensities'. Today some forensic psychiatrists accrue infamous patients, claiming a degree of treatability, but gaining fame based on monstrous notoriety. Reflecting the structural ambiguities and philosophy of the Special Hospitals, there has been the inter-site movement of patients – Moss Side patients were transferred to Rampton in 1920. Traditionally, the Special Hospitals had two distinct nursing organizational structures; the wards and the 'management'. Special Hospitals have always been top-down organizations, with real power lying outside with the 'Department' and 'Minister'. The consequences of closure of the Special Hospital system would have extensive implications for the social infrastructure which needs careful consideration.