General Hospital, Altrincham
The history of Altrincham General Hospital can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when the rapidly growing town faced the same problems with poverty and infectious disease experienced elsewhere in Britain. A smallpox and fever hospital, known as Lloyd's Fever Hospital, had been established before the present hospital, while a Provident Dispensary provided medical treatment for local residents.
As Altrincham's population continued to grow, these facilities became inadequate. In 1870, the Altrincham Provident Dispensary and Hospital was established on the corner of Market Street and Regent Road. The main Victorian building, constructed from local Cheshire brick, formed the foundation of what would eventually become Altrincham General Hospital.
The hospital expanded considerably over the following decades. By 1890 it had 44 beds, including a dedicated children's ward, while further additions were made in 1914. These almost doubled the hospital's accommodation and introduced a new dispensary, accident department, outpatient facilities, laundry, mortuary and disinfecting plant. A further wing was added in 1928, providing kitchens, children's accommodation and additional nursing facilities.
The hospital continued to develop throughout the 20th century. During the First World War, a ward was offered to the War Office for wounded soldiers, while during the Second World War the hospital prepared for potential air-raid casualties, with a shelter constructed beneath the building. Following the creation of the NHS in 1948, Altrincham General became part of the new health service.
By the 1980s, despite its age, the hospital remained an important part of the local community, providing acute beds, surgery and accident and emergency services. However, increasing pressure to modernise healthcare facilities eventually led to plans for its replacement.
A new £17 million hospital was constructed on Railway Street and opened in April 2015, allowing services to move from the Victorian site. The old hospital subsequently closed and was demolished in 2016. Its historic principal façade was considered to have architectural and cultural significance and was reconstructed as part of the redevelopment, preserving a small piece of the building that had served Altrincham for almost 150 years.
The former hospital site is now occupied by the South Trafford Health and Wellbeing Centre and Altrincham Library, marking the end of an era for one of the town's most familiar landmarks.
