3-075-015 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Victoria Hospital, Bournemouth, opened by the Prince of Wales, 1890. 'The new hospital...was erected as a memorial of the Jubilee year of Queen Victoria's reign...At present there is accommodation for twenty- five inmates. The elevations are freely treated in the Italian Renaissance style of architecture. The walls are built of Purbeck stone, and the mouldings, quoins, and other dressings are of Portland stone...The west wing...is entirely occupied by the dispensing department, except for a small mortuary, approached from out of doors only. The main block, on the ground floor, contains suites of rooms for the occupation of the house surgeon, and others for the matrons, store-rooms, porters' rooms, lavatories, and offices; a ward for the separation of any infectious case which may happen, and operating theatre. The first floor, which is approached by a wide stone staircase, contains seven wards...The main block is carried to a third storey, and is occupied by a kitchen, scullery, larder and stores, bath-room, and six bedrooms. The wards and entrance communicate with the second floor by means of electric bells. Messrs. Creeke and Gifford were the architects, and Messrs. George and Harding the contractors'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.