Thanks for all the very helpful comments. For the sake of balance here is some more:
Situation: " HEALTH bosses have confirmed that an under-threat mental health unit in Newton Abbot will close. Devon Partnership NHS Trust has announced the 16-bed Brunel Lodge, in Old Totnes Road, will close on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 with patients and staff transferring to Torbay Hospital's Beech unit following a £1.5million refurbishment. The trust says Brunel Lodge is no longer fit for purpose and the state-of-the-art Beech unit will provide the highest standards of care for those with dementia and mental health problems. The future of the inpatient unit, built on the site of the old Wolborough Street hospital, has been under the microscope since 2004".
Background: Brunel Lodge was a small scale old style hospital that provided inpatient care for the elderly and people with a severe learning disability. It's closure came shortly after a damning report by the CQC into the design and layout or the property and the lack of reassurance that care could be delivered to male and female patients in separate area. At time of closure it was run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Assessment: Entry to the site is easy with a simple hope required over a low stone to gain entry to the site. It is immediately apparent that others have visited before you. There is significant evidence of vandalism and removal and abandonment of equipment. The hospital is made of four separate units with one property appearing to be significantly older that the rest (circa 1920's?). Majority of windows are boarded and the interior is extremely dark.
Recommendations: Worth a visit if you enjoy decay, rubbish and vandalism. Some medical equipment left in place but most items of interest have been removed. Caution required as floors missing in places creating significant hazards.
Insides turned outside
This is the day room - graffiti and wall paper details further on
Last resident took on last look out of the window?
Major bathing contraption - 1970's spa bath I think!
Improved lighting
Not the nicest language
The nursing station - hope the residents did not do this!
An Occupational therapy project I think
The old house
A welcoming message!
Old skool
First aid and washing
A game left unplayed.
Mould in another sitting area
The next few images explore one of the nursing offices
You can't knock a good man down...
