Hawkmoor Hospital

Wards at Hawkmoor Hospitals

The hospital, which formed part of a nationwide network of sanatoria designed for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and made possible by central government grants worth £1.5 million awarded under the Finance Act 1912, opened in 1913.[2] The sanatorium initially opened in temporary accommodation with 40 beds available. The main building not completed until over a year later.[2] Training of nurses was shared by arrangement with the Royal Cornwall Infirmary in Truro.[3]

After the sanatorium joined the National Health Service in 1948,[1] the scope of treatment offered was expanded to include all pulmonary disorders as well as the acceptance of mental health services. It opened a specialist thoracic surgery unit and also offered services to treat conditions such as sarcoidosis and pulmonary carcinoma from 1950.[4]

In 1972, the pulmonary diseases facilities were withdrawn and the hospital became a facility specialising in mental disorders and was renamed 'Hawkmoor Hospital'.[1] The hospital closed in 1987 and the site has since been redeveloped for residential use as Hawkmoor Parke.[5]

From 1931 until 1959, Hawkmoor was also served by a railway station on the Moretonhampstead and South Devon Railway with a station originally called Hawkmoor Halt, but later changed to be called Pullabrook Halt.[6] The railway station was simple with a platform constructed of sleepers and a small waiting room, and was frequently used by visitors to the hospital.[6] Whilst only 3/4 mile directly from the station to the hospital, the distance required to be travelled was more than double that.[6]