A brief history of Whipps Cross Hospital

by Alan Simpson

Essex County Chronicle, 27 October 1893

Recommendations by a special committee that drawings for a new infirmary be submitted to the Local Government Board for approval at the earliest possible date, with a view of providing employment in clearing the site and making excavations, and that certain pasture land at Forest House be trenched and prepared for cultivation, have been referred back to the committee.

Essex County Chronicle, 27 July 1894

WEST HAM BOARD OF GUARDIANS
CONTEMPLATED EXPENDITURE OF OVER £100,000

At the meeting of the above board yesterday, a letter was read from the Local Government Board suggesting that the guardians should reconsider the plans for the new infirmary in the grounds at Forest House, with a view to a considerable reduction. The estimated cost was over £105,000, and it was probable this amount would be exceeded. – Mr. Cluff and Mr. Withers said they ought to press for a loan for 60 years, as the cost would probably reach £150,000. – Eventually the letter was referred to Mr. Sturdy, the architect, for a report.

Despite opening Forest House, conditions in the infirmary at the main workhouse remained over-crowded, so much so that the Guardians considered erecting temporary buildings in the grounds of Forest House to relieve the pressure further until the new infirmary was ready.

Essex County Chronicle, 29 October 1897

WEST HAM GUARDIANS
CROWDED STATE OF THE HOUSE

At the meeting of the West Ham Guardians yesterday it was reported that the number of workhouse inmates was 207 in excess of the number sanctioned: – The question of the want of accommodation at the infirmary also came forward, Mr. ANDERSON stating that he had known of 16 women sleeping in the receiving ward waiting for accommodation in the infirmary. – The CHAIRMAN said he thought they ought to put up a temporary building in the grounds at Forest House, as the new infirmary could not be completed for a long time. – It was agreed that relieving officers should engage nurses to attend patients at home when necessary. – It was stated that the salary and fees and emoluments of Dr. Vallance, the medical officer amounted last year to £743. – Mr. WARREN: And we provide an assistant. Mr. COMENFORD: Don’t you wish you had been a doctor? – The new boiler-house was formally opened.

Construction was not started until 1900, owing to continued delay caused by the Local Government Board’s refusal to sanction the required loan, and took three years to complete.

Leyton & Leytonstone

Historical Society