B&NES councillors are to be asked to give their backing to integration plans that will see all facilities at the historic Mineral Water Hospital moved to the Royal United Hospital site over the next three years.
Today’s (July 29th) meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Select Committee will hear that combining services is the most cost and patient effective way of moving forward.
A report on the acquisition of the site – and integration plans – to date states:
‘It is recognised that whilst the RNHRD building is highly regarded by the patients it serves, it is unlikely to be a cost-effective or suitable base for high quality service provision in the longer term.
It is expected that services will continue to be delivered from the existing RNHRD building for up to three years post acquisition. During this time work will be undertaken within the wider estates plans at the RUH to develop purpose designed environments which benefit patient experience and wellbeing whilst supporting improved efficiency and effectiveness of delivery through appropriate scaling, workflow design and co-location with other services.
Opportunities for branding of elements of the new estate will also ensure that the long-term legacy of the RNHRD can be protected.’
The ‘MIn” – as it is affectionately known in Bath – was founded in 1716 as a National Hospital for the ‘deserving poor’ and built in the late 1730’s to a design by John Wood and with money raised by Beau Nash.
Thermal waters were pumped up the hill from the hot water springs so that people could benefit from them in the hospital’s purpose-built hydrotheraphy pool. The tunnel carrying the pipe is still extant.
If and when the hospital site becomes vacant there is a feeling that – although the general public can already enjoy the contemporary surroundings of the new Thermae Baths for pleasure – the Min could become a hydrotherapy treatment centre again – with thermal waters once more pumped up and used – enabling Bath to take back its title as a spa city with medical services.
With an injection of private capital it could be quite a centre and attract customers seeking treatment from around the world.
Or do we just let market forces claim another victim and look forward to its transformation into a boutique hotel, another themed pub or restaurant or even luxury flats!!
The building IS listed so its exterior at least is protected. It also houses a Roman mosaic in the basement and an amazing collection of medical artefacts and historical documents that would surely go into a Museum of Bath – if the city had such a building!!!!
What a unique opportunity for an inspiring place to visit whether as museum or hydrotherapy centre.
Let’s start to think out how this could be put into action before the market forces seize the day.