| Description | The treatment of infectious diseases in Edinburgh began in poorhouses as a result of smallpox and cholera under the Public Health (Scotland) Act 1867. Subsequently, the city fever hospital was founded in 1881 by recommendation of Sir Henry Littlejohn who was the medical officer of health at the time. In 1903 it moved to Colinton and became known as the ‘City Hospital for Infectious Diseases’. During the early years of the hospital, it continued to be concerned with smallpox and cholera as well as streptococcal infections, scarlet fever, diphtheria and whooping cough. From 1907-1961 daily reports were published in the Bulletin, Evening News and Evening Dispatch on the status of patients to discourage visiting.
1942 saw the final resurgence of smallpox that would ever be seen in Edinburgh. In 1948 the hospital became part of the National Health Service. An x-ray department was added to the hospital in 1949. The hospital also dealt with poliomyelitis at its peak. In 1947, 172 patients from Edinburgh and surrounding areas were admitted. During the 1950s, Professor John Crofton revolutionised tuberculosis treatment through the introduction of triple therapy, which resulted in better outcomes as well as a decrease in resistance.
In 1963, the tropical diseases unit moved from the Eastern General to the City Hospital, where it remained for the following nine years. “Infective jaundice” began emerging at the hospital during the late 1960s, which can likely retrospectively be identified as hepatitis. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was extensive media attention towards the hospital and Edinburgh in general on that basis. In 1965 the hospital began taking in patient ear, nose and throat patients from the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. In 1976 a care of the elderly unit was opened in the hospital. In 1984 it became part of the Royal infirmary of Edinburgh and Associated Hospitals Unit and later the royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust.
During the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the regional infectious diseases unit began a HIV self-referral testing unit in 1985 and cared for AIDS patients. Dr Ray Brettle, who had gained experience in the field in the United States became a consultant at the hospital in 1983. The first clinic in the UK supporting HIV positive children was founded there by Dr Jacqueline Mok and it remained there until it was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. In 1991, Milestone House – an AIDS hospice - opened in the grounds of the hospital and continues to be run by Waverley Care. Patients started being transferred from the hospital in 1997.
Contents: City Hospital Regulations, 1903; newspaper cuttings, 1980s-1990s; visitor card and regulations, 20th century and description with plans and photos of the hospital, 1903. |