Whittingham Hospital

Whittingham Hospital was a psychiatric hospital located near Preston, Lancashire, England. It opened in 1873 as the Fourth Lancashire County Asylum and became one of the largest mental health institutions in the United Kingdom. The hospital was renowned for its size and the progressive treatment methods it employed during its early years. However, it later became the subject of controversy due to allegations of patient abuse and neglect.

History

The construction of Whittingham Hospital began in 1869, in response to the overcrowding in existing Lancashire asylums. It was designed by architect Henry Littler of Manchester and opened on 1st April 1873. The hospital was initially called the Fourth Lancashire County Asylum until it was renamed Whittingham Hospital in 1923.

Whittingham Hospital was built on the pavilion plan, with separate buildings for different classes of patients and a variety of facilities, including a farm, a church, and a railway. This self-contained approach was typical of Victorian asylums, which aimed to be self-sufficient communities.

During the First World War, the hospital expanded significantly, adding several new buildings to accommodate the increasing number of patients. It also served as a military hospital, treating soldiers suffering from shell shock.

Innovations and Treatment

Whittingham Hospital was at the forefront of several innovations in psychiatric care. It was one of the first institutions to introduce a nurse training scheme and also established a school for patient education. The hospital's approach to treatment emphasized occupational therapy, with patients encouraged to engage in work and recreational activities as part of their rehabilitation.

Controversy and Decline

In the late 1960s, Whittingham Hospital became the center of a major scandal. Allegations of widespread abuse and neglect were made public, leading to an investigation. The inquiry found evidence of mistreatment of patients, including unnecessary use of restraint and medication, as well as poor living conditions.

Following the scandal, there was a shift in mental health care policy in the UK, with a move towards deinstitutionalization and the treatment of patients in community settings. Whittingham Hospital's patient numbers began to decline, and parts of the hospital were gradually closed down.

Closure

Whittingham Hospital officially closed in 1995. Since its closure, the site has been largely derelict, although there have been various proposals for redevelopment. The hospital's remaining buildings are a subject of interest for urban explorers and are considered to be of historical significance.

Legacy

The history of Whittingham Hospital reflects the broader evolution of psychiatric care, from the era of large asylums to the modern emphasis on community-based treatment. The hospital's early innovations in patient care are a notable part of its legacy, despite the later controversies that overshadowed its achievements.