3-034-825 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Poplar and Stepney Sick Asylum, 1871. 'This institution has been lately opened for the reception of the pauper sick of a large district of East London, under the provisions of [the] Metropolitan Poor Act (1867), the object of which was to enable the Poor-Law Board to arrange for the placing of such of the inmates of workhouses as require medical attendance and nursing under separate management and in separate buildings...It will be seen by our Illustration that what is called the "pavilion system" of building is here adopted...that is, the sick are accommodated in four separate blocks of buildings...Amongst the internal fittings are a complete system of electric bells and telegraphic communication; lifts to each ward; warming by hot-water circulation pipes; gas pendants which carry off into flues the injurious products of combustion, and which prevent the contamination of the air breathed by the patients...The ventilation of the wards is secured by means of numerous separate upcast shafts; proper inlets are provided for fresh air...The builder is Mr. Robert Mann, of Kentish Town. The total cost of the building and all the machinery and fittings is £43,000, and the site £7300. The architects are Messrs. Arthur and C. Harston'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.