Severalls Hospital

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Severalls Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located in Colchester, Essex, England. Opened in 1913, it was designed using the Echelon plan, a specific type of hospital layout developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, intended to allow more sunlight and fresh air into the buildings. The hospital was part of the broader movement of the early 20th century to reform mental health care in the United Kingdom, which sought to improve the conditions and treatment of those with mental health issues.

History

The construction of Severalls Hospital began in 1910, following the principles of the Echelon plan, which was considered innovative at the time for its radial layout allowing for easier separation of male and female patients, and its emphasis on therapeutic environments. The hospital opened its doors in March 1913, with the capacity to house over 2000 patients. It was self-sufficient with its own farm, laundry, and bakery, which was common for psychiatric hospitals of the time to ensure a degree of isolation from the surrounding community.

During its operation, Severalls Hospital witnessed the evolution of psychiatric treatment, from the use of lobotomy and electroconvulsive therapy in the 1930s and 1940s to the introduction of psychotropic drugs in the 1950s and 1960s. The hospital was also affected by the changes in mental health policy, particularly the move towards care in the community in the late 20th century, which led to a gradual reduction in patient numbers.

The hospital was finally closed in 1997, as part of the wider policy of deinstitutionalization and the shift towards community-based care for people with mental health issues. Following its closure, the site has been subject to vandalism and decay, with many of the buildings being demolished to make way for new housing development, although some parts of the hospital and its extensive grounds have been retained for historical and ecological reasons.

Architecture

Severalls Hospital was notable for its use of the Echelon plan, characterized by a series of interconnected buildings arranged in a semi-radial pattern. This design was intended to maximize light and air flow, improving the health and wellbeing of patients. The hospital's architecture reflected the changing attitudes towards mental health care, emphasizing a more humane and therapeutic environment compared to the asylums of the 19th century.

Treatment and Care

Throughout its operational years, Severalls Hospital mirrored the evolution of psychiatric care. Initially, treatments were rudimentary and often harsh, including the use of restraints and invasive procedures such as lobotomy. However, the introduction of antipsychotic medications in the mid-20th century marked a significant shift towards chemical forms of treatment, reducing the need for physical restraints and enabling many patients to live more independently.

Closure and Aftermath

The closure of Severalls Hospital in 1997 was part of a broader shift in mental health care policy in the UK, moving away from institutional care towards treatment and support within the community. Since its closure, the site has attracted urban explorers and photographers, drawn by its decaying beauty and the history encapsulated within its walls. Plans for redevelopment have sparked debates about the preservation of historical medical sites and the need for commemoration of those who lived and worked in such institutions.

Legacy

Severalls Hospital remains a significant part of the history of psychiatric care in the UK, reflecting both the advancements and the challenges in the treatment of mental health over the 20th century. Its history is a reminder of the importance of humane treatment and the ongoing need for society to adapt and improve care for those with mental health conditions.