A Walk through Woodbridge Museum

Posted by weichong under Explore Singapore 2007, Explore Singapore!
(2) Comments • (5164) Reads • Permalink

Located on a sprawling 25-hectare campus called Buangkok Green Medical Park in Buangkok View, the institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital (IMH/WH) is a 2,000-bed acute tertiary psychiatric hospital. Woodbridge Museum, the historical wing of this memorable building, chronicles the history of psychological and psychiatric care in Singapore. Together with my trusty camera, I was there for “Crossing the Wooden Bridge – A Nostalgic Walk Through Woodbridge Museum”, one of the 86 activities of Explore Singapore!

Did you know that IMH used to be known as the “Insane Hospital”? In 1841, the earliest establishment for the mentally ill was built as a humble 30-bed hospital at the junction of Bras Basah Road and Bencoolen Street. In 1861, the Insane Hospital moved to the KK Maternity Hospital and the number of beds was increased to 100.

In 1951, the hospital was renamed Woodbridge Hospital. It was moved to Buangkok View in 1993 and the name Institute of Mental Health was added to reflect the emphasis on research, training and mental health education.

It was interesting to learn about the evolution of Woodbridge Hospital, its war history and the insights into the changes in Singapore’s mental health services.

Even in the 1950s, recycling was practiced. These aluminium ware, which were discarded by the British Military Forces were put to good use in the Woodbridge Hospital.

Crossing the Wooden Bridge – A Nostalgic Walk Through Woodbridge Museum is part of Explore Singapore! which happens from 10 November 2007 to 31 December 2007. For more information on Explore Singapore!, visit www.museums.com.sg/explore or call 62214463.

Rating: 0