£450,000 Development at Moretonhampstead

The completion of a major development scheme at Moretonhampstead Hospital was marked at a special ceremony. Lord Hambledon, the hospital's League of Friends appeal patron, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the milestone. Dr Sandy Cavenagh, President of the Community Hospitals Association, accompanied him.

The nine bedded hospital, which is the smallest in the country, was built and endowed in 1900 by the son of the first Viscount Hambledon who, before his enoblement was Mr W H Smith, founder of the high street stationers and booksellers.

A fundraising appeal was launched in November 1997. South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust agreed to fund 20 per cent of the modernisation scheme, leaving the balance to be raised by local and voluntary efforts. Large and generous donations and hundreds of small equally generous donations raised a staggering total of £350,000 in just nine months.

The development scheme has created new physiotherapy and occupational therapy units, a casualty department and a minor surgery unit. There are improved facilities for consultants' clinics and for out-of-hours services provided by local GPs. Other improvements include new kitchens, new bathrooms and enlarged laundry facilities.

Challenge Issue 27 - September 1999