Did you know that this very spot once housed the Royal Victoria Hospital? A place steeped in history a hospital with a fascinating past. The Royal Victoria Hospital wasn’t always here at Craigleith Road. It started life in 1894 as the Victoria Hospital for Consumption. It was established by the visionary Dr Robert William Philip. He was a pioneer in treating tuberculosis. He even opened the world’s first tuberculosis clinic. This was long before antibiotics. His focus was on fresh air and sunlight. Patients would spend hours in specially designed pavilions. These were known as “butterfly wards”. They were designed to maximise sun exposure.
The Royal Victoria Hospital was more than just a medical facility. It reflected the advancements in medical understanding of the time. The hospital grew expanding its services and facilities over decades. The original Craigleith House was converted. Later new buildings were constructed. One of these was a striking brick structure completed in 1968. This building became the main geriatric assessment and rehabilitation hospital for northern Edinburgh.
The hospital provided crucial services. There was an Acute Assessment Ward. It had a Trauma Unit specialising in falls and orthopaedic rehabilitation. It also had a Parkinson’s Disease Unit and a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. These units highlight the broad range of care provided. The hospital wasn’t just treating one disease. It was adapting to changing healthcare needs. The staff were dedicated to improving the lives of their patients.
The hospital’s story isn’t without its twists and turns. In 2012 services were moved to the Western General Hospital. The Royal Victoria Building there carries on the legacy of the Royal Victoria Hospital. However this wasn’t the end of the story for the Craigleith Road site. Due to bed shortages in other hospitals it briefly reopened. The Royal Victoria Hospital finally closed its doors for good in early 2017. A fire later that year caused damage to the empty buildings.
Today only the memory of this important place remains. The Royal Victoria Hospital played a crucial role in Edinburgh’s healthcare history. Its impact extended far beyond its walls. It stood as a testament to the dedication of healthcare professionals and their fight against disease. It was a pivotal part of Edinburgh’s past its legacy continues to shape healthcare today.