West Park Hospital, Epsom

West Park Hospital was a significant psychiatric hospital located in Epsom, Surrey, England. Part of the Epsom Cluster of hospitals, West Park Hospital was one of the last institutions to be developed on the Horton Estate. It was designed to provide care for patients with mental health issues and was operational in the 20th century, reflecting the period's architectural and medical practices in psychiatric care.

History

The foundation of West Park Hospital can be traced back to the early 20th century, during a time when the treatment of mental health was undergoing significant changes. The hospital was part of a broader network of psychiatric institutions in the Epsom area, known collectively as the Epsom Cluster, which included other notable facilities such as Horton Hospital, St Ebba's Hospital, and The Manor Hospital. These hospitals were established to alleviate overcrowding in London's asylums and to provide a more humane and modern approach to mental health care.

West Park Hospital was specifically designed to cater to the needs of psychiatric patients, incorporating large, airy wards and extensive grounds which were believed to be beneficial for the patients' wellbeing. The hospital's architecture and layout were typical of the era, with a focus on ensuring a therapeutic environment.

Facilities and Treatment

The hospital boasted a range of facilities aimed at both the treatment and rehabilitation of its patients. This included occupational therapy workshops, recreational areas, and a farm, which provided both therapy and a degree of self-sufficiency in food production. The treatment at West Park Hospital during its early years was progressive for its time, focusing on occupational therapy, fresh air, and exercise, in addition to the medical treatments available during that period.

Closure and Legacy

By the late 20th century, the approach to mental health care had shifted towards community-based treatments, leading to a gradual decline in the need for large psychiatric institutions. West Park Hospital eventually closed its doors in the early 2000s, with the site being earmarked for redevelopment. The closure of the hospital marked the end of an era for the Epsom Cluster, reflecting broader changes in psychiatric care and treatment philosophies.

Today, the site of West Park Hospital is a mix of modern housing developments and derelict buildings, with some of the original structures being repurposed or integrated into new developments. The legacy of West Park Hospital, along with its counterparts in the Epsom Cluster, remains a significant chapter in the history of psychiatric care in England.

See Also

• History of psychiatric institutions
• Epsom
• Surrey