Addington Hospital’s history is tied to the original Addington Children’s Hospital
A pioneering facility for children that opened in 1931, but was closed by the apartheid government in 1984. The site has a complex history, with the current Addington Hospital, located on Durban’s South Beach, operating as a district and regional hospital with a history that includes the children’s facility and a long-standing presence in the city.
The Addington Children’s Hospital Era
- Opening:The hospital was established in 1931 as the first of its kind in Africa, specifically for children.
- Apartheid Closure:In the racially segregated period of apartheid, the hospital was closed by the government in 1984 due to its unique practice of treating children of all races.
Current Addington Hospital
- Location:Addington Hospital is a public hospital located on South Beach in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Current Services:Today, it functions as a district and regional hospital and provides services in areas like pediatrics, surgery, and internal medicine.
Recent Developments and History
Community Memory:While the hospital has undergone significant changes, many in the community still have fond memories of its earlier days as a children’s hospital.
Renovations:The site has undergone renovations, with parts of the facilities operational again since 2013.
Specialized Centers:The complex now includes an adolescent center and a psychology center, with additional plans to open a facility for children with cerebral palsy.
Past Trauma Unit:Before its more recent redevelopment, the hospital was known for its trauma unit.
