Runwell Hospital
Encyclopedia
Runwell Hospital was a hospital in Essex operated by South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust until its final closure on 23 April 2010. From February 2008 until its closure, Runwell Hospital provided solely forensic mental health services in line with the trust's reprovision programme. The planned closure of the current Runwell Hospital, has led to some services being reprovided at Rochford Hospital.
Runwell Hospital was approximately 30 miles (50 km) east of London and could be reached via the road network, or by train (taking about 40 minutes). Runwell Hospital fell within the District of Chelmsford along with Springfield
and South Woodham Ferrers
.
county's Brentwood mental hospital, joint facilities were developed between East Ham and Southend-on-Sea boroughs. A site was chosen at Runwell Hall farm, to the east of the town of Wickford
and the firm of Elcock and Sutcliffe were chosen as architects to the site, the former having previously designed the new Bethlem Royal hospital
at Monks orchard. Elcock and Sutcliffe were at the forefront of institutional design and when completed, Runwell was seen as being pioneering development in mental hospital compared to its contemporaries.
The hospital
was divided into specific zones according to purpose and type of patient. Staff housing was located close to or outside of the main entrance, with the most senior residences and nurse's home located on the main drive. The chapel, dedicated to St. Luke was placed at the principal junction at the top of the drive - to its east lay admission, research, treatment convalescence and neurosis blocks. The main buildings were laid out to the west: villas for working patients, pavilions for the infirm, administrative buildings, recreation hall, kitchens, and stores blocks providing segregation of male and female blocks. Workshops were provided on either side for the employment of capable patients. To the rear a combined power house and water tower provided a central focal point, with the laundry constructed on the female side. Parole villas were built at the northernmost areas behind the main ranges, providing a degree of freedom to suitable occupants. A large sick hospital was provided directly opposite the administrative block, combining wards for physically sick patients, those with tuberculosis, an operating theatre and staff sick bay. Finally, farthest west, boundary house, a large block for disruptive chronic patients was built, providing two male wards, four female wards and a separate dining hall. The former farm was relocated to the north of the main site.
Unlike others of its kind, Runwell utilised names for all villas and wards from the start, instead of numbers and letters used elsewhere until the 1960s and 70's, giving each structure a more homely identity. White with grey brick banding, rendering and variation between flat and pitched roofs were used to identify buildings and prevent a bland functional appearance overall by providing variety.
Following World War II, Runwell came under the control of the National health service who continued pioneering research work at the hospital. New developments included the Strom Olsen ward, adjacent to the female admission unit, and named after the former Superintendent and a combined occupational therapy and research laboratory block. Investigations under Professor Corsellis led to the development of a 'brain bank', the largest of its kind and instrumental in researching changes to the brain in mental illness and subnormality.
Under sectorisation and realignment of catchment areas, Runwell's historical role in providing for East Ham diminished and services were became concentrated on the south east Essex area, resulting in strong links with mental health services at Southend municipal hospital, later Rochford
hospital. With the threat of closure and development of Care in the Community
, services were streamlined between Runwell and Rochford sites, the laboratories and peripheral buildings closing.
remains partly in use for mental health services and these are located in refurbished buildings within the centre of the site. Boundary house, the parole villas, Occupational therapy/laboratory, admission hospital and surrounding villas, laundry and matron's house are all disused. The staff houses located to the west of the main entrance were demolished during 2004 in anticipation of redevelopment and a new bypass road to the east of the grounds has led to the demolition of the male neurosis villa. The hospital
farm is now in private ownership. With full closure of the site projected it is anticipated that the hospital site will be redeveloped for housing, with the chapel, administration block and nurse's home being retained. As you enter the hospital site you see the new Hospital development, upon completion all services will be relocated from Runwell hospital, allowing it to close.
As of February 6, 2008 Ashingdon Ward and Boleyn One Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Rochford Hospital
As of February 12, 2008 Chalkwell Ward and Elm Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Rochford Hospital
As of October 28 Hullbridge Ward and Belfairs Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Brockfield House
AS of October 30 Fairview Ward and Plashet Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Brockfield House
As of November 2, 2009 Harman Ward, Oakview Ward and Steepleview Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Brockfield House; all inpatient services have now transferred from Runwell Hospital to the new Brockfield House development, allowing Runwell Hospital to commence decommissioning and final closure.
Runwell Hospital had its final boiler closed down in February 2010
Runwell Hospital underwent its final power down and closure on St Georges Day, April 23, 2010
2009 relocations
There is no longer any patient led services based at Runwell Hospital, all inpatient wards have either gone to Rochford Hospital, Brockfield House or have been placed into community homes over the years; The only services still based at Runwell are administration roles, these will shortly be vacating the hospital.
As a final farewell to Runwell Hospital, a commemorative booklet is to be launched at the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust annual staff Christmas Party on December 11, 2009. For many this will be their last glimpse of Runwell Hospital, for those that have worked there for many years and lived within the hospital grounds in the old staff accommodation.
As the final closure looms, Runwell Hospital now resembles a deserted location with only a few people to be seen across the site.
Final shutdown of the heating systems occurred on the February 26th 2010, Final closure and shutdown of Runwell Hospital occurred on 23 April 2010; since closure, all buildings have been emptied prior to a final sweep of the hospital buildings to check all is empty and locked up for the final time.
During April 2010 fences were erected around the site to stop access to all, including staff.
, Ministry of Justice, that the Runwell Hospital site has been earmarked for a new 1,500-inmate male prison. Local residents of Runwell
and Wickford
are awaiting further information, although many object to this plan, as they fear for the town's safety. This may effect both towns' plans for more residential properties within the towns.
The plan for a prison has caused uproar in both Runwell and Wickford, with various Facebook pages against the prison and photo shoots in Wickford high street taking place.
As of 5 June 2009 a petition against the prison being built can be found on the 10 Downing Street website.
On Monday 21st July 2010 it was announced that the Ministry of Justice had formally withdrawn plans for the Runwell site, however remained committed to this development.
In December 2010, the Ministry of Justice withdrew their offer to purchase the Runwell site, stating via Chelmsford Borough Council's website that, "following the Spending Review.....the Ministry of Justice has today formally withdrawn from the contract to purchase the site from the Homes and Communities Agency (H.C.A.)....."
'it is with great sadness that we see such a magnificent place as Runwell closing after many happy years working there, Runwell will hold a special place in our hearts, it is at this time in which her lights are switched off for the final time, windows closed and locked forever and the sun sets for Runwell's final time that staff, patients and visitor's alike shed a special tear for Runwell....she was more than a hospital, she was a community...friendships were made, people were lost, but Runwell is who we are and what we came into our careers for'
Runwell Hospital was approximately 30 miles (50 km) east of London and could be reached via the road network, or by train (taking about 40 minutes). Runwell Hospital fell within the District of Chelmsford along with Springfield
Springfield, Essex
Springfield has been a civil parish of the Borough of Chelmsford, Essex, England since 1907. The parish takes in the portion of the town north of river Chelmer and west of the A12 bypass and originally comprised the manors of Springfield Hall, Springfield Barnes, Cuton Hall, and in part New Hall...
and South Woodham Ferrers
South Woodham Ferrers
South Woodham Ferrers is a town and civil parish in the borough of Chelmsford, Essex, England. It is approximately from London and, according to the 2001 census, has a population of 16,629. The town is located east of Fenn Creek, and near where it meets the River Crouch...
.
History
Following the ending of contracts accommodating patients at the EssexEssex
Essex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England, and one of the home counties. It is located to the northeast of Greater London. It borders with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the South and London to the south west...
county's Brentwood mental hospital, joint facilities were developed between East Ham and Southend-on-Sea boroughs. A site was chosen at Runwell Hall farm, to the east of the town of Wickford
Wickford
Wickford is a town in the south of the English county of Essex, with a population of more than 32,500. Located approximately 30 miles east of London, it falls within the District of Basildon along with Basildon, Billericay, Laindon and Pitsea....
and the firm of Elcock and Sutcliffe were chosen as architects to the site, the former having previously designed the new Bethlem Royal hospital
Bethlem Royal Hospital
The Bethlem Royal Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located in London, United Kingdom and part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Although no longer based at its original location, it is recognised as the world's first and oldest institution to specialise in mental illnesses....
at Monks orchard. Elcock and Sutcliffe were at the forefront of institutional design and when completed, Runwell was seen as being pioneering development in mental hospital compared to its contemporaries.
The hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
was divided into specific zones according to purpose and type of patient. Staff housing was located close to or outside of the main entrance, with the most senior residences and nurse's home located on the main drive. The chapel, dedicated to St. Luke was placed at the principal junction at the top of the drive - to its east lay admission, research, treatment convalescence and neurosis blocks. The main buildings were laid out to the west: villas for working patients, pavilions for the infirm, administrative buildings, recreation hall, kitchens, and stores blocks providing segregation of male and female blocks. Workshops were provided on either side for the employment of capable patients. To the rear a combined power house and water tower provided a central focal point, with the laundry constructed on the female side. Parole villas were built at the northernmost areas behind the main ranges, providing a degree of freedom to suitable occupants. A large sick hospital was provided directly opposite the administrative block, combining wards for physically sick patients, those with tuberculosis, an operating theatre and staff sick bay. Finally, farthest west, boundary house, a large block for disruptive chronic patients was built, providing two male wards, four female wards and a separate dining hall. The former farm was relocated to the north of the main site.
Unlike others of its kind, Runwell utilised names for all villas and wards from the start, instead of numbers and letters used elsewhere until the 1960s and 70's, giving each structure a more homely identity. White with grey brick banding, rendering and variation between flat and pitched roofs were used to identify buildings and prevent a bland functional appearance overall by providing variety.
Following World War II, Runwell came under the control of the National health service who continued pioneering research work at the hospital. New developments included the Strom Olsen ward, adjacent to the female admission unit, and named after the former Superintendent and a combined occupational therapy and research laboratory block. Investigations under Professor Corsellis led to the development of a 'brain bank', the largest of its kind and instrumental in researching changes to the brain in mental illness and subnormality.
Under sectorisation and realignment of catchment areas, Runwell's historical role in providing for East Ham diminished and services were became concentrated on the south east Essex area, resulting in strong links with mental health services at Southend municipal hospital, later Rochford
Rochford
Rochford is a small town in the Rochford district of Essex in the East of England. It is sited about 43 miles from Central London and approximately 21 miles from the Essex county town, Chelmsford...
hospital. With the threat of closure and development of Care in the Community
Care in the Community
Care in the Community is the British policy of deinstitutionalization, treating and caring for physically and mentally disabled people in their homes rather than in an institution...
, services were streamlined between Runwell and Rochford sites, the laboratories and peripheral buildings closing.
Ward names of the 1970s
- Ambleside - Female Admissions
- Boleyn One - Female
- Boleyn Two - Female
- Brookside Ward - Female Long Stay
- Chalkwell One - Female Elderly
- Chalkwell Two - Female Elderly
- Elizabeth Ward - Female Geriatric
- Elm House - Male Geriatric
- Glendale Ward - Male Admissions
- Grangewood One - Male
- Grangewood Two - Male
- Female Harper One
- Female Harper Two
- Male Harper One
- Male Harper Two
- Harper Unit - Theatre's, Dentist etc.
- Hillview Ward - Female
- Laburnum Ward - Female Geriatric
- Leigh House - Female
- Margaret Ward - Female Geriatric
- Nightingale Ward - Female Geriatric
- Oakfield Ward - Male
- Plashet One - Male Geriatric
- Plashet Two - Female Locked Ward
- Rettendon Ward - Male
- Sandringham Ward - Male Long Stay
- Sherrington Ward - Female Locked Ward
- Strom Olsen - Female
- Sunnyside Ward - Female Long Stay
- Westcliff Ward - Female Admissions
- Windsor Ward - Male Long Stay
- Woodside Ward - Male Long Stay
Ward names of the 2000s
- Ashingdon Ward - Demountable Building opened in 2004 closed in 2008
- Belfairs Ward - Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (Closed 2007)
- Belfairs Ward - Medium Secure Female Admissions and Rehab
- Boleyn One - Acute Mental Health
- Chalkwell One - Acute Mental Health
- Dove Ward - Rehab (Opened 2005 - Closed 2009)
- Elm House - ElderlyFairview Ward - Medim Secure Forensic Male Rehab (Admitted Females Until 2007)
- Harman Ward - Medium Secure Forensic Pre Discharge
- Heron Ward - Continuing Care (Closed 2005)
- Hullbridge Ward - Medium Secure Forensic Male Admissions (admitted females until 2007)
- Laburnum Ward - Acute Mental Health (Closed 2006)
- Oakview Ward - Low Secure Male Admissions (Opened 2005)
- Plashet Ward - Medium Secure Forensic Male Rehab (Admitted Females Until 2007)
- Steepleview Ward - Low Secure Male and Female Rehab
- Westlcliff Ward - Continuing Care (Closed 2005)
- Wren Ward - Continuing Care (Closed 2005)
Ward moves and renames
- Female Harper One amalgamated with Female Harper Two and renamed Wren Ward then again renamed Steepleview Ward
- Male Harper One amalgamated with Male Harper Two and renamed Heron Ward then again Dove Ward
- Harper Unit offices converted to Newham Ward then renamed Harman Ward then again renamed Oakview Ward
- Grangewood One - Renamed Steepleview Ward then again renamed Fairview Ward
- Grangewood Two - Renamed Plashet Three then again renamed Belfairs Ward
- Plashet Two - Renamed Hullbridge Ward
- Westcliff Ward - Renamed Harman Ward
Present use
At present, the hospitalHospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
remains partly in use for mental health services and these are located in refurbished buildings within the centre of the site. Boundary house, the parole villas, Occupational therapy/laboratory, admission hospital and surrounding villas, laundry and matron's house are all disused. The staff houses located to the west of the main entrance were demolished during 2004 in anticipation of redevelopment and a new bypass road to the east of the grounds has led to the demolition of the male neurosis villa. The hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
farm is now in private ownership. With full closure of the site projected it is anticipated that the hospital site will be redeveloped for housing, with the chapel, administration block and nurse's home being retained. As you enter the hospital site you see the new Hospital development, upon completion all services will be relocated from Runwell hospital, allowing it to close.
-
- Update**
As of February 6, 2008 Ashingdon Ward and Boleyn One Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Rochford Hospital
-
- Update**
As of February 12, 2008 Chalkwell Ward and Elm Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Rochford Hospital
-
- Update**
As of October 28 Hullbridge Ward and Belfairs Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Brockfield House
-
- Update**
AS of October 30 Fairview Ward and Plashet Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Brockfield House
-
- Update**
As of November 2, 2009 Harman Ward, Oakview Ward and Steepleview Ward have closed for the final time and relocated to Brockfield House; all inpatient services have now transferred from Runwell Hospital to the new Brockfield House development, allowing Runwell Hospital to commence decommissioning and final closure.
-
- Update**
Runwell Hospital had its final boiler closed down in February 2010
-
- Update**
Runwell Hospital underwent its final power down and closure on St Georges Day, April 23, 2010
Important dates
- 1934 Building work commences
- 1936 First patients admitted
- 1937 Runwell Mental Hospital opens with 1,032 beds
- 1948 Joined the National Health Service
- 1950 Dr Corsellis starts the Corsellis Brain Collection
- 1955 Renamed Runwell Hospital
- 1979 Beds have steadily reduced to 849
- 1987 Runwell Hospital celebrates 50 years since opening
- 1993 Corsellis collection amounts to 8000 brains
- 1999 Southend Community Care NHS Trusts begins reprovision plans for final closure of Runwell
- 1996 Wren Ward (female) and Boleyn Two close and almagamate to Mountnessing Court in Billericay
- 1996 New Wren Ward (male) opens
- 2003 Newham Ward Closed and disbanded reduction of 7 beds
- 2003 The Lodge undergoes major refurbishment of all four floors
- 2003 Harman Ward Opens in extensively refurbished Newham Ward building increasing by 7 beds
- 2003 Past Times, Patient canteen is closed and relocated into the main administration building
- 2004 Ashingdon ward is relocated to Runwell Hospital into a temporary demountable ward from RochfordRochfordRochford is a small town in the Rochford district of Essex in the East of England. It is sited about 43 miles from Central London and approximately 21 miles from the Essex county town, Chelmsford...
Hospital increasing by 28 beds - 2005 Construction of new Rochford Hospital commences
- 2005 Wren Ward closes and amalgamate with Heron Ward to create Dove Ward reduction of 12 beds
- 2005 Steepleview Ward relocates to Wren ward building, after extensive refurbishment
- 2005 Laburnum Ward Closed and disbanded reduction of 23 beds
- 2005 Staff House Road demolished in preparation for new hospital construction
- 2005 Fairview Ward Opens after refurbishment of old Steepleview Ward increase by 10 beds
- 2005 Westcliff Ward Closes reduction of 10 beds
- 2005 Harman Ward relocates into old Westlcliff Ward building after major refurbishment, moving 7 beds
- 2005 Oakview Ward Opens in old Harman Ward building increase by 7 beds
- 2006 Laburnum Ward used as a temporary base whilst Westley Ward, Basildon Mental Health Unit undergoes refurbishment
- 2006 Laburnum Ward again used as a temporary ward whilst Heath Close Learning Disability ward undergoes refurbishment
- 2006 Ceiling collapses in Main Hall
- 2006 Laburnum ward closed and disbanded
- 2007 Head office relocates to the Lodge, Runwell Hospital from Dunton Court, Laindon, Essex
- 2007 Belfairs Ward relocated to Basildon Hospital reduction of 10 beds
- 2007 New Belfairs Women's Ward opens in refurbished Belfairs ward increase by 10 beds
- 2007 Construction begins on new hospital
- 2008 Ashingdon Ward, Boleyn One Ward, Chalkwell Ward and Elm Ward are relocated to the new RochfordRochfordRochford is a small town in the Rochford district of Essex in the East of England. It is sited about 43 miles from Central London and approximately 21 miles from the Essex county town, Chelmsford...
Hospital and renamed Ashingdon Ward is now Maple Ward, Boleyn One Ward is now Cedar Ward, Chalkwell Ward is now Willow Ward and Elm Ward is now Beech Ward, reduction and permanent closure of 96 beds - 2008 Dove Ward closed and disbanded, reduction and permanent closure of 15 beds
- 2008 65 beds remain at Runwell Hospital
- 2009 Demountable Ashingdon Ward is removed from Runwell Hospital site and relocated to Thurrock Hospital
- 2009 The Lodge, Head office undergoes Major refurbishement
- 2009 Official naming of the new hospital development, Brockfield House
- 2009 Official Completion and handover of Brockfield House, the new £28 million, 96 bed Forensic Mental Health Hospital
- 2009 Official opening of Brockfield House, prior to patient use due to security reasons
- 2009 Relocation of Belfairs Ward, Fairview Ward, Harman Ward, Hullbridge Ward, Oakview Ward, Plashet Ward and Steepleview Ward to Brockfield House, all wards will be renamed as part of this process and Runwell Hospital buildings secured.
- 2009 All wards at Brockfield house operational, Belfairs Ward is now Fuji, Fairview Ward is now Forest, Harman Ward is now Aurora, Hullbridge Ward is now Alpine, Oakview Ward is now Dune, Plashet Ward is now Lagoon and Steepleview Ward is now Causeway.
- 2009/10 Proposed final closure and decommissioning of Runwell Hospital - final few departments to be moved from the existing Runwell Hospital site
- 2010 February 26, heating system closed down and reception closed
- 2010 April 23, Runwell undergoes its final closure, all staff move out
- 2010 Fences are placed on the access route into the Runwell grounds and patrolled by security
Ward relocations and new names
2008 relocations- Ashingdon Ward is now Maple Ward (Older People's Mental Health)
- Boleyn One Ward is now Cedar Ward (Adult Acute Admissions)
- Chalkwell Ward is now Willow Ward (Adult Acute Admissions)
- Elm Ward is now Beech Ward (Older People's Mental Health)
2009 relocations
- Belfairs Ward is now Fuji Ward (Medium Secure Female Admissions)
- Fairview Ward is now Forest Ward (Medium Secure Male)
- Harman Ward is now Aurora Ward Medium Secure Pre Discharge)
- Hullbridge Ward is now Alpine Ward (Medium Secure Male Admissions)
- Oakview Ward is now Dune Ward (Low Secure Male admissions and Rehab)
- Plashet Ward is now Lagoon Ward (Medium Secure Male)
- Steepleview Ward is now Causeway Ward (Low Secure Female)
Closure
On November 2, 2009, the final wards moved out of Runwell Hospital and closed their wards down for the final time and relocated to the newly built Brockfield House. There are still a few scattered departments within the hospital during the decommissioning stages, and whilst the newly vacated ward blocks are decluttered and emptied. Runwell Hospital will finally close its doors towards the end of April 2010 when all remaining office based services will transfer out.There is no longer any patient led services based at Runwell Hospital, all inpatient wards have either gone to Rochford Hospital, Brockfield House or have been placed into community homes over the years; The only services still based at Runwell are administration roles, these will shortly be vacating the hospital.
As a final farewell to Runwell Hospital, a commemorative booklet is to be launched at the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust annual staff Christmas Party on December 11, 2009. For many this will be their last glimpse of Runwell Hospital, for those that have worked there for many years and lived within the hospital grounds in the old staff accommodation.
As the final closure looms, Runwell Hospital now resembles a deserted location with only a few people to be seen across the site.
Final shutdown of the heating systems occurred on the February 26th 2010, Final closure and shutdown of Runwell Hospital occurred on 23 April 2010; since closure, all buildings have been emptied prior to a final sweep of the hospital buildings to check all is empty and locked up for the final time.
During April 2010 fences were erected around the site to stop access to all, including staff.
Prison
It was announced on Tuesday 27 April 2009 in Parliament by the Jack StrawJack Straw
Jack Straw , British politician.Jack Straw may also refer to:* Jack Straw , English* "Jack Straw" , 1971 song by the Grateful Dead* Jack Straw by W...
, Ministry of Justice, that the Runwell Hospital site has been earmarked for a new 1,500-inmate male prison. Local residents of Runwell
Runwell
Runwell is a suburb of Wickford and a civil parish on the A132 road, in the Chelmsford District, in the English county of Essex.- Amenities :Runwell has a primary school, a church, St Mary's and a hospital ....
and Wickford
Wickford
Wickford is a town in the south of the English county of Essex, with a population of more than 32,500. Located approximately 30 miles east of London, it falls within the District of Basildon along with Basildon, Billericay, Laindon and Pitsea....
are awaiting further information, although many object to this plan, as they fear for the town's safety. This may effect both towns' plans for more residential properties within the towns.
The plan for a prison has caused uproar in both Runwell and Wickford, with various Facebook pages against the prison and photo shoots in Wickford high street taking place.
As of 5 June 2009 a petition against the prison being built can be found on the 10 Downing Street website.
On Monday 21st July 2010 it was announced that the Ministry of Justice had formally withdrawn plans for the Runwell site, however remained committed to this development.
In December 2010, the Ministry of Justice withdrew their offer to purchase the Runwell site, stating via Chelmsford Borough Council's website that, "following the Spending Review.....the Ministry of Justice has today formally withdrawn from the contract to purchase the site from the Homes and Communities Agency (H.C.A.)....."
Staff messages
After discussion with various staff from Runwell Hospital they have a message that they would like displayed'it is with great sadness that we see such a magnificent place as Runwell closing after many happy years working there, Runwell will hold a special place in our hearts, it is at this time in which her lights are switched off for the final time, windows closed and locked forever and the sun sets for Runwell's final time that staff, patients and visitor's alike shed a special tear for Runwell....she was more than a hospital, she was a community...friendships were made, people were lost, but Runwell is who we are and what we came into our careers for'