Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Blackley, Manchester

Image: © Tricia Neal Taken: 10 Jul 2013

On 28th October 1908 the opening ceremony of the Prestwich Union Workhouse Infirmary was held. During the First World War it helped to care for wounded soldiers. When this was no longer required, the new Manchester Union Guardians decided to create an infirmary specifically for children. By 1924 it was a recognised training school for children’s nurses. By 1929 it was the third largest children’s hospital in the UK. It was the home of many innovations: the first infant diet kitchen, a burns and plastic surgery unit, a children’s dialysis unit; provision of overnight accommodation for the parents of seriously ill children. In 1990 it was proposed to close it but massive protests ensued and it remained open. However, closure did finally come a few years later, and it was sold for re-development. Buildings were demolished, except for the administration block, which everyone was told would be turned into flats. But somewhere along the way that idea was dropped and it was demolished earlier this year. Now only the gatehouse remains.

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