Saturday, November 29, 2014

Thames (NZ): Hospital's new Isolation Wards 1909

Another great find today at Auckland City Libraries Heritage Photo website.

First time I have seen this building/angle at close range. Described as the new Isolation wards that opened in 1909. (Possibly No 10 or 11 in bottom photo). The Baillie Street 'Thames Hospital' is in the background on the right. The houses on the hills above the ward are in Edward Street, Thames.

Given the location of the tall tree, it seems that this photo could be No 11 before further additions. If so this was the building used by the School of Nursing pre 1950s. (More research required!)

Taken from the NZ Graphic, 07 July 1909, p28
Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19090707-28-7
1909 newspaper reports talk about a cottage being adapted as a reception area for patients and that new Isolation wards were required. Could this be the building above, or was it a temporary full isolation ward? Later the Thames Hospital had a large isolation block at the Mackay Street frontage of the hospital. (Labelled No 9 below)
1953 Thames Hospital
Source: Thames Hospital Pictorial CD from Waikato Hospital Board