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Workhouse Infirmary

D

debran

Brummie babby
Hello everyone
New member here.
I am wondering if anyone knows if there are records of the old Workhouse infirmary (admissions or any other info), great grandma appears to have gone in and out of the workhouse (or Workhouse infirmary) between 1898 and around 1910

Where would I enquire about records.
Many thanks and Happy Easter
 
I seem to remember reading that the Library of Birmingham hold some records, I think though it's just minutes from the meetings. I'm not sure admission records have survived but you could ask.
 
MWS said:
I seem to remember reading that the Library of Birmingham hold some records, I think though it's just minutes from the meetings. I'm not sure admission records have survived but you could ask.
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yes mark i was told that but its worth double checking

lyn
 
If you plan a visit make sure you check if you need to order materials in advance (they no longer fetch stuff if you turn up and ask) and also check the opening hours.
The Archives section is not what it was - sadly.
 
debran said:
Hello everyone
New member here.
I am wondering if anyone knows if there are records of the old Workhouse infirmary (admissions or any other info), great grandma appears to have gone in and out of the workhouse (or Workhouse infirmary) between 1898 and around 1910

Where would I enquire about records.
Many thanks and Happy Easter
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Happy Easter debran and welcome to the Forum, enjoy! I can’t help with your question, hopefully some of the members can as they are quite resourceful.
 
I am also interested in viewing patients records for Western Road Workhouse Infirmary circa 1903 - which Birmingham Archives do hold.

However on searching the the Archives Catalogue most of the records are closed and not available to view by the general public due to their delicate/fragile state, although you need to thoroughly peruse the catalogue as there are quite a few different sections relating to the infirmary patients records.

William.
 
pjmburns said:
If you plan a visit make sure you check if you need to order materials in advance (they no longer fetch stuff if you turn up and ask) and also check the opening hours.
The Archives section is not what it was - sadly.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip, think I need to do a lot of studying of possible records
 
I asked about this last year at the Library of Birmingham as we wanted info from 1923. THe chap in records looked online and gave me a code for the info I wanted them to order BUT due to the 100 yars rule I had to wait until this year and I have booked up online to go next Tuesday......I can only look at the parts ordered s they cant look for any others on the day......
 
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Keith R said:
I asked about this last year at the Library of Birmingham as we wanted info from 1923. THe chap in records looked online and gave me a code for the info I wanted them to order BUT due to the 100 yars rule I had to wait until this year and I have booked up online to go next Tuesday......I can only look at the parts ordered s they cant look for any others on the day......
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Thanks Keith,
Can you let me know how you get on please, the more research I do the more ancestors I find that have been in the workhouse infirmary!
 
Out of interest was there any other hospitals in Birmingham 1860’s onwards other than the western road infirmary? If so why go to the workhouse infirmary? Thanks
 
Vixen said:
Out of interest was there any other hospitals in Birmingham 1860’s onwards other than the western road infirmary? If so why go to the workhouse infirmary? Thanks
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1860 nearly 100 years before the NHS came into being...in those days those that could afford it would pay into a doctors fund ie giving something like a penny a week so that they could see a doctor or the doctor would come to the house..those that could not afford that and there were many thousands had to resort to seeking the help of workhouse hospitals...much the same with living in the workhouses for people who had no homes or jobs ect...the workhouse was the very last resort because although in the early days they were horrendous places at least they had a roof over their heads and some sort of food but they had to work for it..whole families entered the workhouse with mom dad and their children being seperated into different living quarters

lyn
 
Astoness said:
1860 nearly 100 years before the NHS came into being...in those days those that could afford it would pay into a doctors fund ie giving something like a penny a week so that they could see a doctor or the doctor would come to the house..those that could not afford that and there were many thousands had to resort to seeking the help of workhouse hospitals...much the same with living in the workhouses for people who had no homes or jobs ect...the workhouse was the very last resort because although in the early days they were horrendous places at least they had a roof over their heads and some sort of food but they had to work for it..whole families entered the workhouse with mom dad and their children being seperated into different living quarters

lyn
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Is this also why herbalists were used rather than seeking medical help or was this more to do with wanting to avoid traditional medical paths/drugs?
 
Vixen said:
Is this also why herbalists were used rather than seeking medical help or was this more to do with wanting to avoid traditional medical paths/drugs?
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I'm sure it was because of the cost. A bit like why in the US today so many follow the snake oils salesmen / women , peddling rubbish online, as medical costs are so high there
 

debran......​

I found that the person was admitted to the Infirmary and baby was born same day.They both remained there for around 11 days and then discharged. The records that I viewed were in an awesome leather bound volume that covered around 4 months I think but was only for the Infirmary section as thats what the Librarian said was all that was available for that period. So I dont know if they have records for the actual Workhouse but it seemed to put our minds at ease that she only entered for a birth. Could have been an emergency as other births she had at home.
 
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