Runwell Hospital

[anglessaxonsjutes]

Does anyone know whether it's possible to access admission records for Runwell Mental Hospital near Wickford. My great aunt died there in 1977 and my inquiries to PCT in Southend told me that medical records are destroyed 25 years after death.
I am interested to find out when she was admitted there and under what circumstances. I have a death certificate which lists causes of death but my only paper record otherwise is 1901 census which shows her living in East Ham.
I gather that Runwell is likely to close soon if it hasn't already.
Any help gratefully received.

[wozzle]

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/hospitalrecords/details.asp?id=936&page=52-39k-
i hope i've done this right
if i have you should see where to get information about runwell and its inhabitants

[Dave Francis]

Hi there

Someone will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but there is a 75 year closure rule on personal records of this nature. Even if the records still existed, you simply wouldn't be allowed access.

Dave

[anglessaxonsjutes]

Hi Dave
You may well be right about the 75 year closure rule - Medical records are destroyed aftyer 25 years but my great aunt was admitted there sometime between 1934 when Runwell opened and 1977 when she died. as the coroner was involved, it may be that there might have been a mention in the local paper. That's my next port of call.

[missmuddle]

Hi,

Runwell Hospital is still open, you might be able to contact them. There is also a nursing home/care home called East Ham in Woodham Ferrers which is about 5 miles from Runwell. I know there is East Ham east London, but thought you might like to check you have the right place.

Missmuddle

[anglessaxonsjutes]

Hi Missmuddle,
Death certificate issued definitely says Runwell Hospital. I've contacted the local paper for Wickford about possible reports and waiting to hear back from the editor later in the week.