From the workhouse to the wards

Birch Hill Hospital, the former Dearnley Workhouse

The now closed Birch Hill hospital has had a great part to play in the history of Rochdale.

Local historian and author Terry Whitworth has done a lot of research on the building and published a small book called ‘From the Workhouse to the Wards’.

He said that: “I used to go to the hospital as a child and quickly began to appreciate the building itself.”

It was originally designed by George Woodhouse and Edward Potts as a workhouse. It was intended to accommodate 632 inmates. However, by its eventual opening in November 1877, various extensions had increased the capacity to 847, to include accommodation for 29 officers which increased the total cost of the buildings and land to £85,000.

The building was officially opened by the then Mayor of Rochdale, Alderman T Schofield on Wednesday 19 December 1877.

In 1930, control of the site was passed on to Rochdale County Borough with the hospital being run by the Health Committee.

The inauguration of the National Health Service in 1948 meant the site became a single hospital known as Birch Hill. It was run by Rochdale Healthcare NHS until its closure.

In 2001, English Heritage decided not grant the full site listed status; as a result the future became uncertain.

When asked about his opinion of the closure, Mr Whitworth said: “It’s always sad to see old buildings not being used any more. Sometimes, we look to the future too much and forget our history.

“Birch Hill did its job but probably wasn’t suitable as a modern hospital. I’m glad to see parts of it have been granted listed status.”