Lost_Hospitals_of

The Barnes Isolation Hospital opened in 1889 for the treatment and care of patients with infectious diseases such as diphtheria and scarlet fever.

It joined the NHS in 1948 under the control of the Kingston Group Medical Committee, with 90 beds. With the advent of antibiotics, by 1949 it was mainly unoccupied and it was decided to recondition the buildings for use as a hospital for chronic long-term patients. Any fever patients were referred to Tolworth Hospital.

It was renamed Barnes Hospital. It had no Resident Medical Officer, but a geriatrician was appointed in 1954, paid for jointly by the Kingston Group Hospital Medical Committee and the Surrey County Council.

The wards, originally built for fever patients, were broad and light. The doorways were fitted with ramps so that patients could be wheeled outdoors in fine weather. The Hospital had a wireless set (radio) but only one speaker, so that all the patients had to listen whether they wanted to or not.

Gradually the number of beds was increased and, by 1955, there were 114 beds with 98% occupancy. In 1956 only geriatric patients were admitted.

By 1976 there were 100 beds and, by 1976, these had reduced to 60.

In 2001 the existing buildings of the Hospital were extensively renovated and a new extension added.

Present status (October 2008)

The site is now managed by the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

The Hospital consists of the Out-Patients Department (Linstead Lodge), a Day Hospital, various wards (also named Lodges) and the Enid Balint Centre. It has 63 beds and provides services to the elderly mentally ill.

LOST HOSPITALS OF LONDON
	Barnes Hospital South Worple Way, East Sheen, SW14 8SU

	Medical dates: Medical character:	1889 - current Infectious diseases. Later, geriatric
	The Barnes Isolation Hospital opened in 1889 for the treatment and care of patients with infectious diseases such as diphtheria and scarlet fever. It joined the NHS in 1948 under the control of the Kingston Group Medical Committee, with 90 beds. With the advent of antibiotics, by 1949 it was mainly unoccupied and it was decided to recondition the buildings for use as a hospital for chronic long-term patients. Any fever patients were referred to Tolworth Hospital. It was renamed Barnes Hospital. It had no Resident Medical Officer, but a geriatrician was appointed in 1954, paid for jointly by the Kingston Group Hospital Medical Committee and the Surrey County Council. The wards, originally built for fever patients, were broad and light. The doorways were fitted with ramps so that patients could be wheeled outdoors in fine weather. The Hospital had a wireless set (radio) but only one speaker, so that all the patients had to listen whether they wanted to or not. Gradually the number of beds was increased and, by 1955, there were 114 beds with 98% occupancy. In 1956 only geriatric patients were admitted. By 1976 there were 100 beds and, by 1976, these had reduced to 60. In 2001 the existing buildings of the Hospital were extensively renovated and a new extension added. Present status (October 2008) The site is now managed by the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. The Hospital consists of the Out-Patients Department (Linstead Lodge), a Day Hospital, various wards (also named Lodges) and the Enid Balint Centre. It has 63 beds and provides services to the elderly mentally ill.
	The Enid Balint Centre is housed in one of the original buildings. This one bears the date '1904'. Looking past the exit gates and the Enid Balint Centre on the right into the Hospital site. The entrance to the Hospital is at the east gates (left). Looking into the east drive towards Riverside Lodge (right). Fleming Lodge, one of the older buildings in the centre of the site. Bungalow-level buildings in the interior of the site. One of the original ward buildings of the fever hospital.
	References http://edithsstreets.blogspot.com www.bua-architects.co.uk www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk
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