Addington Hospital has a complex history spanning over a century, with its modern high-rise facility—the one completed in 1967—having been the subject of significant ongoing maintenance, refurbishment, and repair projects due to aging infrastructure, neglect, and environmental damage.

Key Context on Infrastructure Projects

The hospital has faced numerous challenges regarding its physical structure, leading to various state-led intervention programs:

• The 1967 Hospital Block: The 16-story ward block, officially opened in 1967, has required extensive structural upgrades, including the replacement of external brickwork, the installation of new aluminum window frames, and upgrades to its cooling towers and lift systems.
• The College and Children’s Hospital: Adjacent to the main hospital, the historic Addington Children’s Hospital (built in 1931) and associated facilities like the nursing college have been the focus of separate, long-term restoration efforts. These heritage sites suffered from years of neglect and abandonment after being closed during the apartheid era, necessitating massive financial investment to restore them to their former status.
• Flood Damage Recovery: Following severe weather events in KwaZulu-Natal, the Department of Health has initiated specific “Flood Damage Recovery” projects. These tenders—such as the 2022 project for the Children’s Hospital—aim to repair structural integrity, fix drainage systems, and address the impact of water damage on these aging buildings.

Historical Timeline

• 1879: The original Government Hospital was built on the current site, named after the British Prime Minister, Henry Addington.
• 1931: The Children’s Hospital block was opened, designed by J.S. Cleland. It is noted for its unique architectural features and historic art.
• 1962–1967: The modern hospital complex was developed, with the college facilities erected in 1962 and the high-rise ward block completed in 1967.
• 2009–Present: Ongoing efforts to revitalize the campus, including the “10 Point Plan” for health infrastructure in KZN, which has focused on fixing the legacy of under-maintenance and addressing damage from both time and natural disasters.