Dr Bob Adams FRCPsych, M Psychother, 
Psychiatrist, Mental Health Tribunal Doctor and Author

A fascinating journey through 240 years of mental health care at the York Asylum, latterly known as Bootham Park Hospital. From stark 18th century diagnoses of ‘flighty’, ‘melancholic’ and ‘wild’ to modern psychiatric practice, this illustrated talk explores the hospital’s origins, controversies, reforms, evolution of treatments and eventual closure in 2015. Dr Adams’ virtual tour also captures the wider social and medical contexts that influenced these developments. Reflecting on both progress and persistent challenges, he will consider what lessons this history offers for contemporary mental health care.
 
Dr Adams was an NHS Consultant Psychiatrist and clinical director at Bootham Park Hospital for 24 years. Elected President of York Medical Society in 2015, he now works as a Tribunal Doctor for psychiatric hospitals across England. Copies of his popular new book on the subject will be available on the evening. You can also visit our accompanying exhibition on mental health care in York in the Tempest Anderson Room.