The local community has battled in times past to keep Teddington Memorial Hospital open and thriving for the community. Here we explore some of the disturbing events of the 1980s.
1982 threat of closure
In October 1982, under pressure to make savings and meet financial targets, the then District Health organisation, Hounslow & Spelthorne Health Authority, drew up plans to close the in-patient facilities at Teddington Memorial Hospital.
The Friends of TMH, headed by Pamela Bryant, organised a campaign to save the Hospital by launching a local appeal. Some 54,000 signatures were received on petition forms objecting to the proposal.
In an extract from Hansard (the official published report of debates in parliament) for December 1982, we read the documented efforts of MP Toby Jessel to raise the matter directly with the Minister for Health.
In the debate, the Minister, Ken Clarke, refers the local MP to the forthcoming consultation process, to which Toby Jessel MP responds:
‘With regard to the consultation process, if the district health authority took so little notice of a petition containing 54,000 signatures, how can anyone expect it to take a blind bit of notice of the result of the consultation process?’
Kenneth Clarke concludes the exchange with:
‘I assure him [MP Tony Jessel] that I will give it serious consideration and that I will not neglect any of the valuable points that he has made.’
24-hour candle lit vigil
In October 1983, the League organised a 24-hour candle lit vigil on the front forecourt of the Hospital, with the first candle lit by Pamela Bryant, the then Chair of the League.
Over 2,000 people attended and signed the Vigil Book. A telex message was sent by Pamela Bryant to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, informing her of the community’s opposition to the closure.
In November 1983, Health Minister Kenneth Clarke received a delegation headed by MP Toby Jessel, Dr Gillian Neal-Smith (Chair of the Hospital Medical Committee), and Pamela Bryant to put their case to the Minister.
Hospital reprieved in fight to keep Teddington Memorial Hospital open
In December of the same year, Kenneth Clarke reprieved the hospital and designated 27 General Practitioner beds. In 1990 he laid the foundation stone for the Pamela Bryant GP Unit.
In the years following this successful campaign to keep the Hospital open, the Friends continued to mount extensive appeals to raise funds for a massive improvement programme for the Hospital.
Teddington Memorial Hospital in the 21st Century
Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust (HRCH) took over the running of the hospital in 2011.
In 2016 the hospital had a footfall of over 100,000 patients a year, treating both inpatients and outpatients and offering services including a Walk-in Centre, audiology, X-ray, ultrasound, and musculoskeletal treatments.
In October 2017, a ceremony to celebrate Pamela Bryant’s contribution to Teddington Memorial Hospital and the local community over the last 30 years took place.
Stephen Swords, the then Chairman of Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, commented:
“To put the campaign to save Teddington Memorial Hospital in context, when Ken Clarke published his recent biography, he said he had closed 100 hospitals at that time and the local battle should be seen in that light”.
Toby Jessel, former MP, unveiled a terracotta sculpture of Pamela Bryant created by local artist Avril Vellacott. The sculpture of Pamela, together with a plaque detailing her many years of support, is on permanent display at the hospital. It is a lasting reminder of a truly inspiring lady who has dedicated her life to the hospital and the local community.
How you can help
There are numerous ways you can get involved with the Friends to ensure the hospital’s continuing existence and keep Teddington Memorial Hospital open.
Donate
One of the easiest ways is to simply make a one-off donation using the Donate button on this page. Or, tap the contactless donation point (currently in Squires Garden Centre, Twickenham, to give a £3 donation or drop your change in the slot.
Join
Alternatively, you may wish to become a Member of the Friends. As a member, you will be making a vital contribution and be kept in touch with the Friends’ activities and projects to further improve the facilities and equipment at the hospital. You will also be invited to attend and vote at AGM and EGM meetings.
Volunteer
If you would like to be more actively involved, become a volunteer. Our volunteers help in the Friends shop in the hospital, with fund-raising activities and at local community events. Volunteers play an essential role in enabling the Friends to maintain its services within the hospital.
Partner
We also invite local businesses and organisations, large and small, to support The Friends by sponsoring events, providing volunteers, and promoting The Friends as their chosen charity.
To find out more, click Get involved to join, donate or volunteer.
[Image: A meeting during the campaign to save the hospital. From left to right: Dr Thelma Golding CBE, Chair of Hounslow and Spelthorne NHS Trust; Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP, Health Minister; Toby Jessel MP, and Pamela Bryant.]