Yes, Frank. A beautiful piece of architecture, to be sure, but a flawed design in hospital terms. It seems that Florence Nightingale and Lord Palmerston knew what they were talking about. This sort of thing carries forward to the present day, does it not? That is, the architect wants something clever or
grand, when all we want is something that
functions correctly!
Quoting from an earlier link:-
“Instead of adhering to newly-appreciated pavilion principles, involving the separation and cross-ventilation of wards, Netley followed the pattern of some recently-built garrison hospitals, comprising suites of small, poorly-ventilated rooms which opened off corridors. It was believed that corridors conducted germs from ward to ward, while detached blocks inhibited their spread.
Following much criticism, the Netley design was modified and the hospital opened in 1863. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century it was home to the RAMC school, which transferred from Fort Pitt, and despite its inherent defects it became a highly regarded military hospital. The massive Italianate structure, with its arcaded facades, remained a prominent landmark on Southampton Water until its demolition, following fire, in the 1960s. All that survives is a handful of out-lying buildings and the red brick chapel which once rose above the centre of the complex.”
