Queen Alexandra Military Hospital facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queen Alexandra Military Hospital |
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Entrance at 20 John Islip Street
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 Location in City of Westminster
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| Geography | |
| Location | Millbank, London, England, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51°29′27″N 0°07′41″W / 51.4909°N 0.1281°W |
| Organisation | |
| Care system | Public NHS |
| Hospital type | Military |
| History | |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Closed | 1977 |
The Queen Alexandra Military Hospital (QAMH) was a special hospital for the military. It opened in July 1905 in Millbank, London. This area is near the River Thames and the famous Tate Britain art gallery. The hospital helped soldiers and military staff for many years. It closed its doors in 1977, but some of its original buildings are still standing today.
Contents
The Hospital's Beginning
The Queen Alexandra Military Hospital officially opened in July 1905. King Edward VII and his wife, Queen Alexandra, were there for the opening. Queen Alexandra was also the president of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps. This group trained nurses for the army.
In 1907, another important building opened nearby. This was the Royal Army Medical College. It was built just south of the Tate Gallery.
Helping During Wartime
World War I Efforts
During the First World War, the hospital became a major general hospital. It cared for many British Army soldiers. These soldiers had injuries from fighting. They also suffered from illnesses like trench fever and frostbite. The hospital also treated conditions like shell shock and serious infections.
After the war, the hospital grew bigger. It could then hold 200 patients. It worked closely with the Royal Army Medical College. Together, they became a special school for army doctors. Doctors from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force also trained there. It was the only place in Britain that taught military surgery.
World War II and Beyond
In the Second World War, the hospital and college were a large site. They were at risk of bombing. Luckily, they only had small damage. After the war, a special unit for blood vessel surgery was created. This unit worked with St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.
The hospital continued to train army doctors. They learned about surgery, tropical diseases, and how to find and prevent illnesses. Other military staff received technical medical training.
In 1957, the hospital got even bigger. It had 300 beds, two operating rooms, and 11 wards. One ward was just for children. Male nurses were from the Royal Army Medical Corps. Female nurses were from the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.
The Hospital Closes
The Queen Alexandra Military Hospital closed in 1977. Its services moved to the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital in Woolwich. The Royal Army Medical College stayed at Millbank until 2005. Then, its teaching moved to the Queen Alexandra Hospital near Portsmouth.
What Remains Today
In 2005, a report looked at the Millbank area. It described the hospital building as having a detailed brick front. It had stone details and a special bow window. The report said the buildings add to the area's character.
Part of the hospital site is now used by the Tate Britain. Most of the original hospital buildings are still there. They now hold offices, the library, and meeting rooms for the Tate. The hospital's chapel is also still standing. Its beautiful stained glass window was moved to the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital in Woolwich. The area around the Tate, including the old hospital, is a protected conservation area.
See also
- Henry MacCormac (dermatologist)
- Timeline of Imperial College School of Medicine
