Prince's Road, Kennington, SE1 6JJ

Medical dates:

Medical character:

In 1916 the British Red Cross Society opened an auxiliary hospital in Prince's Road.  The light well-ventilated building had been purpose-built as a day nursery.

The auxiliary hospital was offered to the King George Hospital for soldiers who had been medically discharged as unfit for service, but who still required further treatment.  However, as the facilities were not taken full advantage of, the Red Cross suggest that the premises be used as an overflow ward for patients with severe facial injuries.

The Maxillo-Facial Hospital opened on 1st October 1916, and the first patient was admitted on 5th October.  Although such specialist hospitals existed for serving soldiers and sailors, this was the only one which provided free treatment for those discharged from the services as unfit on account of the injuries to their faces or jaws.  Six of the 30 beds were reserved for patients who had already received treatment but had to return for further dental, mechanical or surgical treatment because of difficulties with feeding or speech.

The Hospital received a daily capitation grant of 3s 3d (16p) per occupied bed from the War Office, but its income was also supplemented by the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, three of whose members served on the Hospital Committee.

The Hospital closed on 31st December 1918.


Present status (February 2008)

Almost immediately, the premises reverted to their original purpose and became the Babies' Hostel, a day nursery.

Today the building is known as William Geoffrey House and is used by the Lambeth Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for children with mental health difficulties and their parents.