The history of Teddington Memorial Hospital 1948 to 1989 gives us a fascinating snapshot of how the NHS developed, expanded, and consolidated in post-war times. this image shows Sister Agya Ralhan (left), Philippa Ranner (centre), and Ranjan Hutchings (right) joining the evening part of the 24-hour candlelit vigil in 1983, which around 2,000 attended to show their support for Teddington Memorial Hospital when under threat of closure.
A key milestone in the Hospital’s history post-1948 (when the Hospital became part of the NHS) was the formalisation of the League of Friends.
The Friends aimed to provide practical help on the wards and personal services for patients, including library books, a trolley shop, refreshments for visitors, and a hospital car service on a rota basis. In 1956 the League presented a post box and arranged with the Post Office for a twice-daily collection.
The early years of The Friends were geared toward raising as much money as possible and to encouraging membership through an annual subscription which is still in place today.
Sixties expansion supported by the community
In 1962 The Chappell Ward day room was added, financed by ex-patients and the League of Friends. Thomas Chappell (of the piano company fame) was the founder and benefactor of the Hospital in 1875. A similar project to provide a day room for the Grace Anderson Ward was completed in 1965.
The Physiotherapy Department opened in 1964, financed by the people of Teddington and surrounding districts, and sponsored by Teddington Rotary Club.
In 1968 the Male Ward Day Room was built due to the Teddington Hospital Improvement Scheme campaign and monies raised from the hospital fete.
Seventies development through generous contributions
In 1971 a records room was built onto the existing Out-Patient Waiting Room, financed by voluntary contributions.
1972 saw the Solarium on Male Ward upgraded and furnished by the League of Friends. In addition, an extension of two surgeries for Consultants opened as a memorial to Dr Godfrey Morgan and was financed by voluntary contributions.
By 1973 a large area of the Hospital grounds was acquired by the Local Health Authority to build the Teddington Clinic. The Hospital’s kitchen garden was a former part of this, where fresh fruit and vegetables were grown for patient and staff meals.
Centenary, Golden Jubilee and substantial fundraising
1975 saw the Centenary year of the original building – Elfin Grove Villas –commemorated by various events, including a concert and barbecue.
From 1975 to 1978, The League of Friends purchased equipment totalling £7,646.30. The money was raised by numerous events, including the Winter Wonderland and Festive Fayre bazaars, coffee mornings, tea parties, a Michaelmas Supper, and generous donations.
1979 was the Golden Jubilee Year of the Hospital on its present site. A new bathroom annexe was built and equipped to Grace Anderson Ward at the cost of £40,000 to commemorate this occasion and was financed by the League and the local community.
1980s campaign to avoid jeopardy of hospital closure
In 1981 the independent League of Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital was formed. A new project for the provision of a new X-Ray Department was launched by the League and subsequently held in abeyance until 1987.
By 1982 the in-patient facilities at the Hospital were threatened with closure due to financial difficulties of Hounslow & Spelthorne Health Authority, so the Friends e organised a campaign to save the Hospital. Some 35,000 signatures were received on petition forms objecting to the proposal. A fighting fund was established, which eventually raised £25,000.
In October 1983, the League organised a 24-hour candle-lit Vigil on the front forecourt of the Hospital. Over 2,000 people attended and signed the Vigil Book. A Vigil Candle burned for 24 hours, and a fax was sent to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to record the event.
In November 1983, Health Minister Kenneth Clarke received a delegation headed by MP Toby Jessel. In December of the same year, Kenneth Clarke reprieved the Hospital and designated 27 General Practitioner Beds.
Programme of Improvement through the 1980s
In the years following this successful campaign to keep the Hospital open, the Friends mounted extensive appeals to raise funds for a massive improvement programme for the Hospital.
The League of Friends launched an Appeal Fund for £285,000 to provide a new Patients Waiting Hall, League of Friends Shop, Records Room, Reception X-Ray Department, Staircase, Staff Dining Room, Outside Brick Build Store, and complete refurbishment of the Casualty and Out-Patient Departments.
The first turf cut for the project was in December 1985, and the foundation stone was laid in the front wall. In November 1986, the Patients’ Waiting Hall, League Shop and refurbished Casualty and Outpatient Departments were opened.
In 1987 The new X-Ray Department was completed and opened in July.
Between 1998 and 1990, the Friends launched an Appeal Fund for £300,000 towards building a 22-bed General Practitioner Unit, and work commenced in 1989.
Secretary of State for Health Kenneth Clarke laid the foundation stone for the Pamela Bryant General Practitioner Unit. Mrs Mary Baker, Director of Thames Television, opened the new Unit.
This is a quick roundup of the history of Teddington Memorial Hospital 1948 to 1989, to find out more, please contact us.
How can you help
The League of Friends has a proud history of supporting Tedding Memorial Hospital, making it the valuable and convenient community resource we share today.
Our heartfelt thanks go to supporters of the League at that time and, in particular, the unstinting work of Pamela Bryant, without whose tireless campaigning the hospital would not exist today.
There are numerous ways you can get involved with the Friends
One of the easiest ways is to simply make a one-off donation using the Donate button on this page. Or merely tap the contactless donation point to give a £3 donation or drop your change in the slot.
You may wish to become a Member of the League of Friends or become a volunteer if you would like to be more actively involved.
We also invite local businesses and organisations, large and small, to support the Friends by sponsoring events, providing volunteers, and promoting the League of Friends as their chosen charity.
Find out more about Teddington Memorial Hospital’s history or click Get involved to join, donate or volunteer.