January 2024
Nurses Home, Sisters Home and Service Tunnels
Nurses Home, Sisters Home and Service Tunnels
The Visit
I had the opportunity to visit this place with @stranton and @coolboyslim, and I must say, after seeing it in the epic report by @Bikin Glynn a few weeks ago, I couldn't wait to see it for myself. It just so happened that we were in the area for another site, so we decided to take a quick look. Little did we know, this "quick" look turned into a full exploration.
We decided to take advantage of the opportunity and grab a bite to eat in the hospital canteen before making our way to the Sisters Home. It was evident from the signs in the building that it had been vacant since late 2000, and its condition was noticeably worse than the Nurses Home across the street. Inside, the rooms were similar, featuring small bedrooms with a wardrobe and sink and just like the Nurses Home it had working lights. However, the communal areas were a sight to behold, boasting three beautiful staircases and numerous original features. While some of the buildings on the hospital site were still in use, there were plans in motion to relocate all services to other hospitals in the coming years. This makes it an intriguing place to keep an eye on.
The History
In 1889, architect W. H. Ward designed the Birmingham Union Infirmary as an extension to the Birmingham Union Workhouse. It's fascinating to note that the entrance building of the workhouse was only demolished in September 2017, long after the hospital's construction. Originally known as the Birmingham Union Infirmary, the hospital underwent several name changes over the years, including Dudley Road Infirmary and Dudley Road Hospital, before finally settling on the City Hospital name.
During its early days, the hospital consisted of a single corridor that stretched for over 400 meters. Along this corridor, nine Nightingale ward blocks radiated, providing medical care to patients. Notably, one of the hospital's renowned surgeons, Hamilton Bailey, captured the photographs for the first edition of his famous textbook while working at Dudley Road.
In November 2005, the Birmingham Treatment Centre was established on the City Hospital site, replacing the existing Outpatient Department. However, plans are currently in progress to replace the City Hospital site with the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, although the project has faced delays. Despite this, the Treatment Centre and the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, a separate eye hospital, will continue to operate on the Dudley Road campus. The remaining area of the campus will be redeveloped for housing, bringing new life to the historic site.
Nurses Home
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Cheers for looking 
Fujifilm X-T2, 10-24mm
Fujifilm X-T2, 10-24mm
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