La Meynardie - Hospital Reopens ...
In June 2004, La Meynardie hospital reopened its doors to the public after a period of three years of improvements to its facilities.
Over the years, the hospital has seen several changes. During the 1st World War the Chateau was a hospital for those suffering from T.B. and pneumonia. In 1930 it became a sanatorium, and by 1955 it received patients from across the Dordogne and Gironde who were suffering from T.B.
In 1972 La Meynardie became a home for the elderly who suffer from psychiatric disorders and problems. However, during the following years the buildings became run down, and that is why a huge programme of improvements began in June 2000 with financial aid from the General Counseil Général of Dordogne.
Work included the construction of a new building, interior improvements and an extension to the existing building. There are now five floors comprising of 169 individual rooms, and 8 rooms with twin beds, all with showers. The centre can now receive 185 patients.
Following the modernisation and expansion, the light and spacious building has all the facilities to help make the patients as comfortable as possible. The care of this number of patients requires a large staff, both medical and administrative. There are currently 138 full time employees. More projects are in the pipeline including an Alzheimer's unit and the development of temporary accommodation for short stay visitors.