Had this one pinned on my maps for some time now after reading a news article about it a while back. Today I happened to be working close by so figured it was the perfect opportunity for a look around.
While by no means some kind of untouched treasure trove - the usual hoodlums have got in and done their thing, as has the weather and nature - it certainly did not disappoint! It's a large site with plenty to explore across three stories. Without doubt it's the perfect place for those who like long, dark, spooky corridors and that general unsettling feeling of care-giving "end of life" establishments, such as hospitals. And though largely cleared out or otherwise in disarray, there's still some poignant mementos from the past to see too.
Not really that much to say about the place, it is what it is, but hopefully the photos I took will tell an interesting story all the same. Pine Heath is without doubt a very photogenic place, lots of contrast in light and dark, hard shadows and soft natural light finding its way in, plus of course the sad rot and decay to be found.
Some minor history:
The main building was constructed in 1913 and started life as a sanatorium, and in time moved into duties looking after tuberculosis patients. When this was no longer required in the 1960s, Pine Heath ceased functioning as a sanatorium and was converted to a care/residential home. By the time of its closure in 2017, it was operated by Diamond Care Ltd and was frequently faced with allegations of poor management, abuse and neglect. The usual sad story with so many care homes, it seems. In 2011, 2012 and 2016 the home failed to meet certain requirements and was placed under enforcements and "special measures" (whatever those are). Various other breaches of healthcare regulation were reported across this period too. Following an inspection in March 2017, the home was deemed "inadequate" and noted to have serious problems with maintenance, cleanliness and infection control, and closed in May of that year. In 2021 it emerged that patient records and sensitive information were still on site in the now abandoned and derelict home, easily accessible due to a lack of on-site security and very little done to seal up the property.
This remains to be the case today. Though signs warn of "24/7 dog patrols" and CCTV, there's no evidence of any of this. The building is still extremely easy to enter due to open windows and missing boards. And yes, though now in a much poorer condition and harder to find, patient information can indeed still be rooted out in the admin offices and backrooms.
The photos:
Firstly, some shots of the outside and around the grounds.
Now inside, and into the ground floor communal areas:
The ground floor communal spaces were potentially those in the worst condition, for some reason.
Does anyone else find the "run rabbit run run run" text on the left hand wall rather unsettling?
Pictures of yesteryear
Other assorted memories
The bedrooms & quarters:
This area featured a fair amount of graffiti which, while I'm never a fan of seeing in places like this, I will admit some of it was quite amusing...
More photos to follow in the next post!
While by no means some kind of untouched treasure trove - the usual hoodlums have got in and done their thing, as has the weather and nature - it certainly did not disappoint! It's a large site with plenty to explore across three stories. Without doubt it's the perfect place for those who like long, dark, spooky corridors and that general unsettling feeling of care-giving "end of life" establishments, such as hospitals. And though largely cleared out or otherwise in disarray, there's still some poignant mementos from the past to see too.
Not really that much to say about the place, it is what it is, but hopefully the photos I took will tell an interesting story all the same. Pine Heath is without doubt a very photogenic place, lots of contrast in light and dark, hard shadows and soft natural light finding its way in, plus of course the sad rot and decay to be found.
Some minor history:
The main building was constructed in 1913 and started life as a sanatorium, and in time moved into duties looking after tuberculosis patients. When this was no longer required in the 1960s, Pine Heath ceased functioning as a sanatorium and was converted to a care/residential home. By the time of its closure in 2017, it was operated by Diamond Care Ltd and was frequently faced with allegations of poor management, abuse and neglect. The usual sad story with so many care homes, it seems. In 2011, 2012 and 2016 the home failed to meet certain requirements and was placed under enforcements and "special measures" (whatever those are). Various other breaches of healthcare regulation were reported across this period too. Following an inspection in March 2017, the home was deemed "inadequate" and noted to have serious problems with maintenance, cleanliness and infection control, and closed in May of that year. In 2021 it emerged that patient records and sensitive information were still on site in the now abandoned and derelict home, easily accessible due to a lack of on-site security and very little done to seal up the property.
This remains to be the case today. Though signs warn of "24/7 dog patrols" and CCTV, there's no evidence of any of this. The building is still extremely easy to enter due to open windows and missing boards. And yes, though now in a much poorer condition and harder to find, patient information can indeed still be rooted out in the admin offices and backrooms.
The photos:
Firstly, some shots of the outside and around the grounds.
Now inside, and into the ground floor communal areas:
The ground floor communal spaces were potentially those in the worst condition, for some reason.
Does anyone else find the "run rabbit run run run" text on the left hand wall rather unsettling?
Pictures of yesteryear
Other assorted memories
The bedrooms & quarters:
This area featured a fair amount of graffiti which, while I'm never a fan of seeing in places like this, I will admit some of it was quite amusing...
More photos to follow in the next post!
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