Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital

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Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital is a state-owned psychiatric hospital located in Strenči, Latvia. It specializes in mental health care, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for people with psychiatric disorders.

History

- 1899: The Livonian Knighthood decided to build a psychiatric hospital for the Governorate of Livonia. Construction began in 1903, designed by architect August Reinberg.
- 1907: The hospital opened on February 10 (January 28 old style). It had modern facilities for its time, such as central heating, electricity, water supply, drainage, workshops, and other amenities. The first director was Alberts Bērs (1907–1919). The hospital started with 180 beds, a small medical staff, and treatments that included work therapy and hydrotherapy. A library and various events were held there.
- 1919–1940: Latvia’s government took over the hospital. The number of patients grew from 114 in 1919 to 364 in 1940. The complex expanded with additional buildings, including a barn, cellar, cattle shed, an oil cellar, and a chapel with an autopsy room and a morgue. Directors during this period were Hermanis Hildebrands (1920–1927) and Arvēds Sukurs (1927–1938, 1940–1942).
- World War II: In 1943, Nazis shot 294 psychiatric patients. A monument was later erected at the site. The hospital was used by the German army as a war hospital and reconnaissance school.
- Postwar: In 1950, the hospital treated 403 patients, and after 1978 the number often exceeded 1,000. Treatments included insulin therapy and electroshock therapy, with neuroleptic drugs starting in 1957. In 1974, the hospital began treating patients with addictions.
- Today: The hospital operates as a state-owned limited company (a type of public company in Latvia).