Shelton Hospital

Shelton Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. It was originally established in the early 19th century and played a significant role in the development of psychiatric care in the United Kingdom. The hospital was closed and its services were transferred to modern facilities in the early 21st century.

History

Shelton Hospital was founded as the Shropshire and Montgomeryshire County Lunatic Asylum in 1845. It was part of a wave of asylum construction across England, prompted by the County Asylums Act 1808, which encouraged counties to build their own institutions for the care of the mentally ill. The original building was designed by George Steuart, a notable architect of the period, and was expanded several times throughout its history to accommodate the growing number of patients.

In its early years, Shelton Hospital was at the forefront of the moral treatment movement, which emphasized kindness, occupational therapy, and the therapeutic value of beautiful surroundings. The hospital's design, with extensive grounds and patient gardens, reflected these principles.

Facilities and Treatment

Throughout its operation, Shelton Hospital evolved in its approach to psychiatric care, reflecting broader changes in the field. From its initial focus on moral treatment, it later incorporated medical advances such as electroconvulsive therapy and psychopharmacology. The hospital had various wards specializing in different aspects of mental health, including acute psychiatric units, long-term care wards, and facilities for the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse.

Closure and Legacy

Shelton Hospital was officially closed in the early 21st century, with services being transferred to a new, modern facility known as The Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury. The closure was part of a wider trend in psychiatric care, moving away from large institutional settings to more community-based care models.

The site of the old Shelton Hospital has been the subject of various redevelopment plans, with parts of the original buildings being preserved due to their historical and architectural significance. The hospital's legacy continues to be a point of interest for historians of medicine and psychiatry, as well as for the local community in Shropshire.

See Also

• History of psychiatric institutions
• Moral treatment
• George Steuart (architect)
• The Redwoods Centre