Tyntyla Isolation Hospital


Tyntyla Isolation Hospital was a health facility in Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.

History

Established in 1887 as the Ystradyfodwg Cottage Hospital, it was the first hospital in the Rhondda, initially comprising a small four-bed ward for the treatment of infectious diseases. The hospital underwent gradual expansion between 1897 and 1938 and became part of the National Health Service in 1948 under the administration of the Pontypridd and Rhondda Hospital Management Committee.

Rhondda typhoid fever outbreak of 1904

The hospital played a crucial role during the major typhoid fever epidemic that struck the Rhondda Urban District in 1904. Located just 230 yards from the suspected Tyntyla water supply source of the outbreak, the hospital became central to managing the crisis. By 11 November 1904, the institution contained 61 patients, of whom 38 suffered from typhoid fever.
Although designed to accommodate only 36 beds, the hospital constantly housed over 50 patients during the epidemic period. Additional beds, bedding, and equipment were ordered to utilise all available space, with both the newer 32-bed facility and the original 4-bed building pressed into service. The hospital staff was augmented with additional nurses, some working at the hospital whilst others served as district nurses under the superintendence of the Medical Officer of Health.
The epidemic ultimately saw 399 cases of typhoid fever notified across the district, with 373 cases occurring in the area served by the contaminated Tyntyla water supply.

Later history

By 1958, it had developed into a 118-bed facility specialising in the isolation and treatment of infectious diseases, tuberculosis, and chest conditions.
During the 1962 smallpox outbreak in Wales, volunteers from the nearby Tyntyla isolation hospital provided nursing staff for the designated smallpox hospital on Penrhys mountain.

Closure and later use

The hospital closed in November 1991.
The site is now occupied by Priory Hospital Tŷ Cwm Rhondda, a private mental health facility operated by the Priory Group, which provides low secure services for males with complex mental health needs.