Rochford Hospital Main Block comprising the Broom and Dowsett Wards (EHER 26403)

The Hospital administration and ward block at Rochford Hospital dates from 1938 and was in full use by 1946-7. Elements of the design including the emphasis on reduced elemental geometries and walls of glass show the clear influence of International Modernism.

October 1993. Grade II listed. A hospital administration and ward block, designed by F.W. Smith. Dated 1938 on foundation a stone to the left of the main entrance; in full use by 1946-1947. The building is contructed from brick with flat roofs and is two storeys. It has metal windows of an original design; with metal and glass parapets to the first-floor balconies and terraces to the south. A long block on the east-west axis serves as the principle range; dominated by four apsidal projections, sun lounges, each with floor-to-ceiling glazing similar to those of the nearby Johnson block (EHER 26402). There is a shallow rectangular bay to lounge between each outer pair of projections: with floor-to-ceiling glazing and glass parapet to first-floor balcony. In the centre is a flat-arched entrance leading to a shallow, rectangular entrance courtyard. Narrow wings stretch northwards from the rear of the rectangular bays to frame a rectangular block that terminates in a hemicycle containing cafeteria and kitchen facilities. The amount of glazing is considerably reduced to the north elevations. The emphasis on reduced elemental geometries and walls of glass show the clear influence of International Modernism. <1> See also <2>. 1990s. Building survey. The main ward block is a symmetrical two-storey range with south facing wards, superficially based on the pavilion plan; the range is dominated by four, south projecting eight-bed wards terminating with semi-circular sun lounges with attached balconies and terraces. These provide ample amounts of sunlight and fresh-air which was seen as an important part of the curative process. To the rear of the ward blocks are sanitary and bathing blocks, with ward kitchens and staff offices included in a centrally placed rear range. Flanked by the four sun bays is the main entrance to the administration block and central rear courtyard, that is reached, via a driveway extending below the first-storey of the main ward blocks (Herbert Dowsett and Margaret Broom wards). The main doorway is approached via a set of concrete steps flanked by semi-circular planters and is set below the first-floor balcony of the doctors common room. The entrance hall, is decorated with pale brown granite terrazzo with pale green detailing, and joins a main east-west corridor that extends the length of the block, linking to the operating theatre to the west and x-ray department to the east. A modern extension connects the corridor to the surgical wards, operating theatres and Samuel Johnson block sited to the east. A two-storey childrens block with 64 beds was opened to the west of main entrance (Herbert Dowsett ward) in May 1943, but by 1960 part of the ward was used for adult treatment and eventually all the children were relocated to another hospital. The Margaret Broom maternity ward was of a similar layout to the Herbert Dowsett block with south-facing eight bed, three bed and single bed wards, but included an additional labour ward to the north and a modern premature baby unit to the east. To the north and rear of the administration block is a large dining hall, with washing-up and servery ranges to the east; high level windows and large skylights supply the maximum amount of natural light. To the north are the kitchens, which are laid out in a distinctive semi-circular design, with food preparation areas sited in open bays around the perimeter of the room. To the rear of the kitchens and linked by a corridor are the kitchen stores and garages. <3> 1995. Building survey of Daly's House and adjacent buildings. Daly’s House, the Training Unit and Admissions Block are steel-framed and reinforced concrete structures, with flat roofs and brick screen walls. The screen walls are constructed of yellow stocks laid in an English bond, with blue brick, or concrete-block, plinths. Windows are regularly-spaced and made of a light metal frame in a plain style and with brass fittings. The Matron’s House, built in a different style, is a more typically suburban, detached house with hipped roof and grey pebble dash exterior. However, in keeping with the functional, modern design there are few of the decorative elements that would normally be found on a more typical Jacobethan or moderne suburban dwelling. Very few later modifications were made to the buildings, internally or externally. The modifications that were made comprise a modern extension to the administration block, an additional building adjacent to the Education Centre and an extension to the rear of the recreation hall/theatre built to house a Compton organ in the 1960s. Most of the internal fixtures and fittings remain and of particular interest are the various light-fittings, the wooden electric fire surrounds and the design of the bedrooms. The architectural design of Southend Hospital is typical of municipal architecture in the 1930s and represents the Borough Engineer and Architectural Assistant’s interpretation of a modern style of architecture. Daly’s House has many features reminiscent of The International Style, although the use of brick and heavy wooden window frames discount it as a truly International Style piece of architecture. Indeed many of the elements in the design of Daly’s House and Admissions Block (e.g. stepped entrance and ambulance porch) are more easily described as moderne. A striking parallel to Southend Municipal Hospital, and perhaps an influence on its design, is The Royal Masonic Hospital, Ravenscourt Park, London, which was built between 1929 and 1933. It is noticeable that a plainer style of decorative detail than that used at Ravenscourt Park has been used throughout the hospital extensions and, although this may have been largely the result of economic circumstances, it was no doubt partly the result of concerns that the building should be designed in as functional and efficient manner as possible. It is this concern with function that gives the building its International Style character. <4>