Dannemora State Hospital Transfer Records and Daily Census Reports

Arranged by type of record and therein chronological.

This series documents transfers of individual inmates (1911-1928) to Dannemora State Hospital, as well as daily hospital censuses (1919-1972). Transfer records include: inmate name and identification number; institution received from; date of transfer; number of previous "attacks;" date current attack began; former conditions; personal habits; supposed cause of insanity; insane relatives; statement made by patient at interview; actions of patient; other facts (usually statements of guards); and signature of physician. Other information, such as correspondence, is sometimes attached. Entries for early years are hand written on printed forms. Beginning ca. 1921, some narratives are typewritten and attached.

Census books list in columnar format the daily number of inmates admitted; numbers discharged as recovered, much improved, improved, unimproved, and died; total number of inmates; re-commitments; and remarks. Under remarks for each day, patient identification numbers and names are listed to correspond with numbers admitted. Average daily hospital population is given for each month.

Volume list is available at the repository.

This accession resulted from a project by Archives staff in 1999 to describe or integrate estrayed or unidentified records. Records were apparently transferred to the State Archives in 1978, but accessioning was delayed.

Patient data is restricted in accordance with Section 33.13, Mental Hygiene Law, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office of Mental Health.