The National Health Service &
Friends of Blandford Community Hospital
Celebrate a 60th Anniversary
The first National Health Service in the world was established in Britain in July 1948, a brave step in the austere aftermath of the Second World War. The aim was, for the first time, to relieve the population from reliance on charitable organisations and to provide free medical services to all regardless or circumstance or rank. One key provision was that these services should be provided at local level.
It is rather ironic that at the 60th Anniversary of the NHS, in an age of spiralling costs and demand the charitable role of hospital Friends is more needed than ever. The Blandford 'Friends' also celebrate their 60th anniversary this year.
The League of Friends, as it was known in those days, was established at a public meeting on 23rd November 1948. An annual minimum subscription of 1/- was agreed together with the organisation aim; "Providing extra comforts for patients at Blandford Cottage Hospital".
By Mar 1957 funds stood at £116-11s-4d but a drive to recruit local businesses led brewer Hall and Woodhouse to join with an initial grant of £25. They remain the only corporate member to this day.
The first AGM was held at the hospital on 22nd May 1958. By 1972 substantial funds had been raised and plans were announced for a grant of £20,000 to provide a new casualty department and improvements to the women's ward.
In 1974 Blandford Hospital was incorporated into the "West Dorset Healthcare District" at a time when development of community hospitals into 50-150 bed units was advocated by central Government. The hard work and dedication of a growing band of volunteers provided substantial support during the planning and building of the present Community Hospital opened by Princess Anne on 11 September 1986.
Since then the organisation has grown and developed including a name change dropping The League from our title in 2003 and surviving moves into the North Dorset and subsequently Dorset NHS Trusts.
The current membership of just less than 1000 supports a volunteer team of 160 who provide a range of services to the hospital, local medical practices and teams and the community in general. A Trustee Council assists a small dedicated management team.
A wide range of fundraising events is enthusiastically and generously supported by the residents of Blandford and surrounding villages. Since its formation in total the charity has raised funds in excess of £4.5 million, benefiting the hospital and the community.
The medical staff and residents of Blandford can be rightly very proud of the many unsung heroes and heroines within the Friends who, over many years, have helped to provide better hospital facilities, equipment and support services and brought comfort to the sick weak and infirm and those in need.
However in an era of strategic uncertainty more members than ever are required, in particular those younger residents with families who will help to strengthen the voice of the Friends within the Health Service structure to ensure the needs and wishes of our local population are properly represented.
Membership costs just £1 per year so if you would like to join the volunteer teams or just ensure your voice can be heard by NHS management please contact the Friends at: -
Milldown Road
Blandford
DorsetDt11 7DD
Tel: 01258 450095
Email:friends.blandford@dorset-pct.nhs.uk