Today, just after 1am, we lost the old vacant 1934 Millbrook Rise Ward. This was a majestic building that was purchased from remaining Red Cross funds post the first world war. It was for returning war veterans, later their families and then a general government run mental health facility. It shared patient treatment and staff before it formally became part of the Royal Derwent Hospital in 1968.
I spoke to an ex staff member and a veteran this morning, who spoke about the conditions for returning war veterans. When not under Government control he stated there was silver service in the dining room, such was the respect for our veterans. Once the Government took over he stated that the facility lost that and returned to a standard hospital setting.
What remains of the building is currently under investigation as to a cause of the fire that burnt both wings and the dining room and Doctor/Matron’s accommodation.
Wind conditions were very light last night which doesn’t explain the rapid spread of the fire to all wings of the vacant building. The facility is still an operational health facility and staff, patient and families are still dealing with this traumatic event. Many in the community have links to the hospital and fondly remember their working lives and the sense of community that New Norfolk has.
