Somerset Hospital

Dr. Samuel Bailey’s vision took root in 1818. He established the first civilian hospital in Cape Town. It was a modest establishment, tucked away below Signal Hill. This was the first Somerset Hospital, the ancestor of the building we stand before today. The hospital quickly outgrew its original location. Lord Charles Somerset, the governor of the Cape Colony, donated land for a new building. Thus, the hospital earned its name, Somerset Hospital. The cornerstone for this new Somerset Hospital was laid in 1859 by Governor Sir George Grey. The new Somerset Hospital, opened in 1864 in Green Point, became a beacon of healing and progress. It adopted the Chavonnes Battery as an isolation and convalescent wing. This innovative use of existing structures speaks to the hospital’s adaptability and resourcefulness. Somerset Hospital also blazed a trail in nursing education. It established its own training school and became the first hospital to train non-white nurses. Somerset Hospital further solidified its place in medical history. It served as the main academic hospital for the University of Cape Town from 1918 to 1937. This period of collaboration fostered groundbreaking medical advancements. A new West Wing opened in 1973, designated for white patients. The older building became the North Wing. The “N” subtly stood for “non-white”. The hospital’s role evolved further with the rise of the HIV epidemic. Somerset Hospital became a leading center for AIDS treatment. It established the first antiretroviral distribution center in 2005. Somerset Hospital continued to adapt to the community’s needs. It opened a measles ward in 2010 in response to an outbreak. Today, Somerset Hospital stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of healing and progress. It is a place where medical history has unfolded. It continues to serve the community with dedication. Within its walls, the echoes of Dr. Bailey’s vision resonate, a reminder of the power of compassion and innovation.