Negotiations To Reopen For The Treatment Of Tuberculosis
The fire at Oakwood Hall Hospital could
have turned out to be a blessing in disguise or so it was felt by some members of the
Rotherham Corporation. The Rotherham Corporation sub committee, helping patients with
Tuberculosis, looked into the possibility of buying Oakwood Hall for a more permanent
hospital for the treatment of Tuberculosis. After a few enquires had been made (with the
V.A.D. committee who had already received donations of £821 5s 7d for a new building
fund.) Mr Colin Smith the owner of Oakwood Hall talked in depth with members of the sub
committee. Afterwards a meeting was called at the Town Hall Assembly Rooms with the full
health committee gathered, and members of the sub-committee were open to questions as they
laid their plans before the committee. Some of Oakwood Hall still remained sound but there
was the question of reconstruction of the fire damaged sections of the building. The hall
would still prove to be suitable accommodation for wounded Soldiers but bearing in mind
the economic climate due to the war, the public demanded more for their money and it was
felt better value would be given if the hospital could provide multiple purposes. The sub
committee members were given permission to look into the purchase of Oakwood. The
committee was made up of five members and they would go on to purchase the Oakwood Estate.
This Estate would later be the home to Rotherham General Hospital.
On November 11th 1918, at 11am the Armistice brought the Great War to an
end. Church bells rang across the country, breaking their long silence. soldiers
and civilians alike gave up work for the day. The people of Rotherham where
delighted by the news that the war had ended. The air was full of the intoxicating spirit of joy. The whole nation
celebrated with joy tinged with sorrow, remembering the casualties, some 745,000 British
Soldiers were killed in the war. A further one and half million were seriously wounded. As
soldiers returned home to their families and a hero's welcome, a changed nation was in
store for them.
The architect Major Knight was asked to give an estimate of the cost of the building.
The £3500 minimum estimated cost was higher than predicted by the committee.
However the
building would be returned to its old character, and it was felt it would prove an
excellent building for treating the sick. Thanks to the kindness of the owner (Mr Colin
Smith) agreeing to easy terms of cost for the land and hall, the committee went ahead with
the deal. The committee felt they had struck up a bargain and took pride in the fact that
their efforts would greatly improve the health of the people of Rotherham. On the 30th
October 1919 the Corporation approved a scheme to convert Oakwood Hall into a hospital for
Tuberculosis patients. However it would take another two years of negotiations before any
major changes occurred.
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© Neil and Janet Croft 2005