A century of healthcare – community hospital celebrates 100 year milestone

Bideford Community Hospital has been celebrating a milestone this week as it marked 100 years in the town.

The official centenary celebrations were held on Tuesday (September 23) with staff at the busy hospital which still sees hundreds of patients each week.

The hospital holds consultant outpatient clinics in general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and respiratory medicine, while nurses also run specialist clinics in podiatry, leg ulcer and antenatal.

The hospital was built in 1924, replacing the previous hospital on Meddon Street, and was officially opened on Wednesday, September 23, 1925. It has been extended several times since then, with the latest extension opening in 1994.

On its website, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Over the last 100 years, the role of Bideford hospital has evolved and changed in response to the changing needs and expectations of patients.

“A hundred years ago people came to Bideford for operations and staff came for training. Over the last few decades Bideford has evolved to ensure more care is provided locally to patients and the wider community.

“This has meant the hospital, alongside the co-located medical centre, has opened its doors to partners across mental health, Citizens Advice and the voluntary sector who support people's social needs alongside their health needs.”

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The trust said thanks to funding from NHS England and the Torridge Regeneration programme, it was developing exciting plans to create a community diagnostics hub and health and wellbeing facilities.

It added: “Providing these important services locally ensures Bideford Hospital remains a vital part of the health and wellbeing of the local community, even 100 years after its doors first opened.

“Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the service the hospital and those working there have provided over the last 100 years.

“Please join us in celebrating the dedication, care and expertise of everyone who has been part of the hospital’s journey – past and present. Here’s to another hundred years of outstanding care.”