What is a separation Ward?

[Aussiekate]

It is mentioned in some info that i found on the Islington Infirmary St John's Road. My reli died of TB at the Islington Infirmary. I was wondering if because he died of TB he would be in the Separtaion Ward and not the infirmary part of the facility?

Kate

[Peter Goodey]

I believe separation wards were for short term use while infections were diagnosed. Although your ancestor died of TB, he or she may also have had - or may have appeared to have had - some other highly contagious acute infection.

[Richard1955]

I was wondering if because he died of TB he would be in the Separation Ward and not the infirmary part of the facility?

I think you wondered right Kate. TB is a highly infectious disease and would definitely be separated from anyone else.

[Peter Goodey]

If you look at some of the infirmary plans you'll see that separation wards were really quite small.

Once a diagnosis of TB only - and no other infections - had been confirmed, the patient could be moved to a TB ward. There would be no reason to separate them from everyone.

What they wouldn't want to do is to spread diphtheria, say, around a TB ward. Hence the need for a separation ward for short-term diagnostic purposes.

[Richard1955]

Hi Kate
The answer to your question is yes.
They didn't have separate wards for each individual disease.

[Aussiekate]

thanks