PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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The Scott Hospital was in Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Devonport Borough Isolation Hospital It seems that the small-pox hospital alongside what was at that time known as Bladderley Lane, in the parish of Stoke Damerel, was already in existence by July 1890 as plans were being discussed at that time for its extension. Two years later one of the iron buildings so popular for places of worship at the time was purchased and erected in a field opposite the existing building. Along with three marquees, this became the hospital for inhabitants suffering from infectious diseases such as smallpox and scarlet fever. The stone building was completed around February 1893 and had been constructed by a Mr Kerswell. It was soon accepting patients from East Stonehouse and there was talk of extending it still further, as it could only accept 24 patients. This extension came about in 1902, when 8 beds and a Steam Disinfecting apparatus were added. In 1905 a smallpox hospital was erected at Weston Mill. Three acres of land were purchased from the Lord of the Manor in 1912. During 1914 a block capable of accommodating sixteen patients was erected. By 1931 one ward for diphtheria patients and a nurses' home had been built there, after which the Hospital could accommodate 170 patients. During the Second World War the Hospital received a direct hit on the kitchens and damage was also caused to other parts of the site by bombs on adjoining land. Scott Isolation Hospital In 1955 the Hospital was renamed in honour of local hero, Sir Robert Falcon Scott. Over the following decades there were big strides in treatment for the old diseases and, with the opening of Derriford Hospital, the need for this unit ceased. A new Child Development Centre was opened by the Lord Mayor, Mrs Betty Easton, on June 7th 1991. The site has now been redeveloped into the Scott Business Park and is home to such healthy causes as the Smoking Advice Centre, Age Concern and a Healthy Living Centre. For details of the cost of building the Hospital see Plymouth Council Minutes (PCM) dated July 8th 1920.
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