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Abstract

The central region of Switzerland did not participate in the development of psychiatry in the 19th century. It was not before 1909 that the providing for insanes was taken in hand. At that time the capuchin Rufin Steimer founded the first catholic infirmary for mental diseases under the name "Franziskusheim" in the canton of Zug. Brethren of charity came to conduct it. Steimer realized there a project which formerly had seemed impossible. But he was no expert, and his hospital could not be perfect. It was merely a place for taking persons in custody. Because this sanatorium was restricted for men, one had no provision for women until 1927. In this year, the congregation of Sisters of the Holy Cross in Menzingen inaugurated a catholic women's infirmary in an aristocratic villa called "Meisenberg". Both hospitals came under the common direction of professor Johann Baptist Manser. Then they were extended, brought up to date and got modern institutions for treatment. His succesors maintained the high standard. The Franziskusheim as the greater of them is now the psychiatric centre of the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Zug. A new building has been opened in March 1994. Both homes are private institutions till now and have preserved their religious background. The gradual rehabilitation of convalescents, the employment of persons with physical or mental defects and the care for sufferings from alcoholism or drugs are great duties of the present time. The above-mentioned cantons have therefore founded places of care and a Service of Social Medicine. There exist now houses for transitory or permanent lodging, special factory-places and particular workshops. These installations, self-help-groups and especially the "Foundation Phoenix" for advice and protection are giving useful and meritorious assistance.