Most of the wards were cleared of furniture although curtains and carpets remained in-situ. The administration block was likewise emptied, but the Chapel retained its pews, fixtures and fixing.

It appears that the hospital was internally partitioned with plywood across the main corridor network. It is presumed that this was to deter further intrusion from trespassers. Some smaller rooms were also completely boarded up (namely the small offices around the Chapel).

Ancillary buildings (such as the modern nurses home, the gatehouse etc.) were boarded up and secured.

A security presence was installed in the administration block with electricity still being supplied for heating and lighting. Likewise, power was kept to the water tower, supplying the communications and broadcast equipment fixed to its roof.

Additionally a small wire-mesh fence was erected around the wards of the hospital, enclosing the original gardens.


Deterioration
Natural deterioration has taken place with the main hospital buildings, the most widespread being the peeling of paint and plant intrusion.

However rot has spread rapidly due to the internal partitioning (which has largely remained in place until 2002). Most of the wooden floors in the hospital are now unsafe and in several areas have failed altogether (except for the administration block).

Although the roof remains in good condition, with the slate tiles appearing to be preventing water intrusion, leaks have occurred throughout the hospital. They have remained unfixed, and water damage in these areas is now rampant, including the complications of mould growth and plant life. Plasterwork has failed in these areas, with light fittings and boarding starting to come adrift.

Animal intrusion remains minimal but pigeons have taken over the upper floor of the Wren/Wesley ward.

The administration block remains in relatively good condition as it was heated until 2001 (at which point security left). Likewise, the Chapel is in excellent condition, being protected from the elements in its central location, and its proximity to the administration block.


Vandalism
Exterior vandalism (such as smashing of windows and removal of tiling) is, thankfully, relatively rare given the size of the site and it’s isolated location. The nurse’s accommodation to the north of the site is the most vandalized as it’s located directly on the public footpath, and furthest from security’s presence.

Intrusion points (by vandals and explorers) have been boarded up.

The greatest damage to the hospital buildings has been various arson attacks. Isolated fires occurred in the old coal store (by the water tower) and in the Staff Social Club (a prefabricated building in the grounds). However, a far more serious fire destroyed the main hall, various storage rooms and part of the corridor network before spreading to the building stores and fire officers house. The later have been gutted.

The latest fire occurred in the Main Entrance but was thankfully restricted to that room.

Other parts of the hospital show fire damage where small fires have failed to spread.


Structural Damage
Despite the instability of the wooden flooring, the windows and frames remain strong. Most are unbroken.

The slate tiling is largely intact with no visible holes or damage from the ground. Water intrusion is occurring however, as witnessed by water damage within the hospital.

No parts of the walling have collapsed in the areas of fire damage.

The water tower is still being used for broadcast and communications equipment - it can therefore be assumed that it still structurally safe.

The corridor to Kings wards was showing the most serious structural failure with the roof beams starting to skew.


Future
A new security firm who are located on the hospital approach road now patrols the site. A new site perimeter fence has been erected, weak points have been patched and damage is quickly repaired.

Unfortunately, the main administration block is no longer heated and is expected to start to slowly deteriorate.

At the time of writing, the hospital is being stripped of all the remaining fixtures and fittings, including the pews and contents of the Chapel.

The interior partitions have been largely removed or destroyed, allowing air circulation around the hospital again.

It is expected that the wooden floors of the wards will continue to deteriorate making them inaccessible. Damage from unfixed holes in the roof and various leaks will also accelerate decay.

The buildings themselves still remain viable and conversion to new uses is still a possibility.

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