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Foreword

from the book 'St Mary's Hospital Castlebar' by Joe McDermott

I am honoured to have been asked to write a few words of introduction for this excellent book. It gives a comprehensive account of the development of the mental health services in Mayo since early in the last centruy. It provides unique insights into the setting up and development of a psychiatric hospital in Vicorian times. In addition it recounts all the changes and developments that have occurred since then.

Throughout, the commitment and dedication of the staff shines through in spite of what were often adverse and difficult working conditions. The high quality service we have today is built on this legacy from the past.

The book has been painstakingly researched. Detailed studies have been made of contemporary hospital records, the local press and other archives. The quality of the work done is evident on every page. It is a very worthy and worthwhile millennium project. There can be no doubt but that it will prove to be the definitive account of the history of St Mary's Hospital. It is an important source of information about the history of the deveopment of Irish psychiatric services. It is a document that will attract wide attention and interest and there is no doubt that from it we will learn many important lessons from the past that will prepare us for a new millennium of quality service development and delivery.

My congratulations and thanks to all concerned with this excellent project for their commitment and hard work.

Dr Sheelah Ryan - Chief Executive Officer

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