New Wing: Stockport Infirmary

OPENING OF THE NEW WING, STOCKPORT INFIRMARY - The new wing recently added at the south end of the Stockport Infirmary, expressly for infectious and contagious diseases, has been opened. The design and plans were prepared by Mr. Allen, of this town; and the contract for the work was let to Mr. W. H. Brown, also of this town. The first stone was laid by Mr. Sykes on the 23rd of June, 1870. The work was completed within the specified time, but other alterations and improvements being needed, the opening was deferred until the entire institution had been put into thorough working order. The wards of the new wing are completely isolated from the old building, from which they are approached by a covered passage leading from the principal corridor. On the ground-floor, facing Wellington-road, are the day and sleeping rooms of the male convalescents, the latter providing accommodation for four beds. The rooms are large, airy, and cheerful; and contain all the fittings usually to be found in such wards. All the beds are of iron, fitted with a stand for medicine, etc, and over each is suspended a simple contrivance, by means of which weak patients may raise themselves in bed. On the same floor, at the corner of the building, are the female convalescent wards, fitted up with three beds. In the nurse's kitchen are a kitchen range, hoist, cupboards, well filled with crockery shelves, sink-stone, with hot and cold water, and every convenience; and opposite is the nurse's bed-room. This apartment being situated in the centre of the group of rooms on the ground-floor, the nurse will be within call at all times. At the back of the building, overlooking Francis-street, is the women's small-pox ward, 20 ft. by 14 ft., and containing four beds. Both this and the floor above are well supplied with baths, lavatories, etc. Two flights of steps lead to the upper storey. Over the women's small-pox ward, in a room of nearly the same dimensions, is the men's small-pox ward, in which are the same number of beds. Two windows on each side furnish ample light, and, when open, will give a thorough current of air. At the corner of the building, over the female convalescent wards, is the women's fever ward, containing eight beds, and measuring 26 ft. by 22 ft. It is lofty, and lighted by four windows. The men's fever-ward, three windows in length at the front of the building, and an equal number at the back, measures 24 ft. by 20 ft., and in it are eight beds. All the walls are plastered. The old building has now a hoist, manufactured by Messrs. Wren & Hodgkinson, of Manchester, whereby patients with broken limbs or heavy weights of any kind can be raised or lowered. The erection of this and the porter's lodge, etc., were let under a second contract to B. Meadows, of Heaton Norris. [Builder 25 November 1871 Page 921-922]

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 30 April 1870 (Contracts)
Reference    Builder 25 November 1871 Page 921-922