St Clement's Hospital

St Clement's Hospital is a former mental health facility located in Mile End, London, England. The hospital, originally built as a workhouse, was later converted into an infirmary before becoming a psychiatric hospital in the 20th century. It was officially closed in 2005, and the site has since been redeveloped for residential use.

History

St Clement's Hospital was originally built as a workhouse in 1849 by the Mile End Old Town Parish. It was designed to house the poor and unemployed of the parish. In 1874, the workhouse was converted into an infirmary, providing medical care for the local population.

In the early 20th century, the infirmary was converted into a psychiatric hospital. It was renamed St Clement's Hospital in 1936, after the nearby St Clement's Church. The hospital was part of the National Health Service (NHS) from its inception in 1948 until its closure in 2005.

During its time as a psychiatric hospital, St Clement's provided care for patients with a range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The hospital was known for its progressive approach to mental health care, with a focus on therapeutic community methods and patient involvement in treatment decisions.

Closure and Redevelopment

St Clement's Hospital was officially closed in 2005, following a decision by the East London and The City Mental Health NHS Trust. The closure was part of a wider strategy to move mental health care away from institutional settings and into the community.

Following the closure, the site was sold to the Homes and Communities Agency, who announced plans for a residential redevelopment. The redevelopment, completed in 2015, includes a mix of private and affordable housing, as well as community facilities.

Legacy

Despite its closure, St Clement's Hospital remains an important part of the history of mental health care in England. The hospital's approach to patient care was influential in shaping modern mental health services, and its history provides a valuable insight into the evolution of psychiatric treatment.