What about the children?

I've been exploring again. And I realise that what I do actually has a name - its called Urban Exploring. Or Urbex. Its the art of exploring an abandoned or deserted building, taking photos and walking about, and then leaving without a trace.

I went to the Addington Children's Hospital to take photos this weekend. Its next to the existing Addington Hospital, but has unfortunately, and for some bizarre reason, been closed and abandoned for a few years. Its even been incorporated into a building site, and the property around the building has been used to house building supplies for Africon, who are doing the beachfront renovation.

Restricted Access - by Vanessa Cracknell

At first it was just thrilling to actually be in the building, and not to have been caught. Umm, yes, there might have been a bit of breaking and entering - except that the doors were wide open. Essentially only 'entering' happened. Half illegal - half innocent. Once I got over the fact that it appeared we were going to left alone in the building, I started to have a good look around.

Cast Aside - by Vanessa Cracknell

That's when it hit me. This was a children's hospital, filled with colourful cheerful paintings on the walls. Children came here to get well, and even more sadly, to die. But with the sea, beach and waves just across the road, perhaps they wouldn't have felt too bad about being sick?
One of the fellow Urbex photographers with me remarked that he had been born in the hospital, in 1975. This was a happy place where babies were born and got their start in life.

Let go Lego - by Vanessa Cracknell

It struck me then how utterly stupid it was that this building was shut down, and not being put to any good use. No one seems to know what will happen to the building. The Department of Health owns it, but doesn't seem to care about it. A tirade about South African bureaucracy seems appropriate, but what good is that going to do? Does anyone listen?

Maybe they will look, and see what is happening. Here are some of my photos taken yesterday, Sunday 11 October 2009. They document the eeriness and the desolation, but also hopefully show that if we act now, there is a lot to be saved. For the children.