Goodby, Victoria Infirmary

A sad weekend for the south side of Glasgow. After 125 years caring for the local population, the Vicky is no more. The last couple of wards in The Mansionhouse Unit close tomorrow. Interesting to see the notes left in the department by the pharmacy staff and how many of them have been there for very many years. To an occasional visitor like me, it feels like a happy department.

The story of this plus the other hospitals closing are at http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/about-us/history/a-fond-farewell-to-five-great-city-institutions/. I've sort of recreated the photo from the brochure.

The Victoria Infirmary opened 125 years ago, built to respond to the needs of a rapidly growing population during the industrial revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The health of the population was awful with child death rates high and adult lifespan short. And no NHS to provide care free at the point of need.
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Fund raising to build the hospital was a real challenge until 1887 when Queen Victoria gave the hospital her backing on learning that it would be named in her honour.

Famous former staff members include OH Mavor, a consultant, but better known as dramatist James Bridie (founder of the Citizens’ theatre).

In 1971, the Victoria Infirmary opened the ground-breaking Victoria Geriatric Unit which was later renamed the Mansionhouse Unit and was known locally as the “Langside Hilton”!