Heatherwood Hospital Late 1940's

• B.L.A. Soldier's Wedding

  First B.L.A. man to be married in Aberdeen since leave began, Lieut. Alan T. M. Stephen, with his bride, Sister Gwen Herbert, of Heatherwood,Hospital, Ascot.
  Extract

  Comment:- The above article was accompanied by a photo.
  Copyright prevents us from displaying the photo here.

   

• L. C. C. Part-time radiographer M.S.R.

  London County Council
  Part-time radiographer M.S.R.
  wanted at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, 5 days a fortnight, total 35 hours. Part travelling expenses paid if distance justifies.
  Apply for particulars and application form to the Medical Officer of Health, (S.D.3.) The County Hall, Westminster Bridge, S.E.1.
  Extract Wokingham Times 13/04/1945

   

• Required January

  Infants' Mistresses, Heatherwood L.C.C
  Salary,Hospital School, Ascot. N Burnham and 2 increments.
  Write Head Mistress, Wingmore Lodge, Wokingham.
  Extract Wokingham Times 21/12/1945

   

Midwives & Nurses

Comment:-Love the Telephone number,only two digits.

• Pinewood Sanatorium Needs Part-Time Nurses.

  Room For 160 Beds Being Wasted. (By a Special Correspondent).
  The Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, and the Pinewood Sanatorium, Wokingham, are local examples of the urgency of the appeal now being made by the London County Council for nurses and midwives who have left their profession through marriage and for other reasons to come forward and offer their services for part-time duties.

  Like the many other hospitals and sanatoria in London and the provinces administered by the L.C.C., the splendid humanitarian work being done at Pinewood and Heatherwood is being seriously held up by lack of staff. To take Pinewood as an instance, it is depressing, but nevertheless a fact, that there has been a considerable increase in tuberculosis since before the war, and the problem of coping adequately with it is as acute there as at any other similar institution. All tuberculosis authorities have long lists of cases awaiting admission to sanatoria.

  I visited Pinewood a day or two ago and I was told by the Matron, Miss H.C.Aylmer, and Dr.J.J.McKann, the Acting Superintendent, that normally they could provide 200 beds, but at the moment they can accommodate only 160 patients. Two or three times during the past year they had to halt the admission of sufferers for a month or more because of the shortage of nursing staff.

  Serious Position.

  When it is remembered that one of the chief factors in the effective treatment of tuberculosis is, in most cases, the isolation of the patient to ensure that the disease. does not spread to healthy persons, it will be seen how serious is this. lack of sanatoria accommodation. Situated practically next door to Pinewood is a former Canadian Military Hospital. This, of course, is now out of commission. It would have made a valuable addition to the Sanatorium, providing some 400 additional beds. But, through shortage of staff, it has been impossible to do anything towards making use of it.

  It will be realised from the foregoing that there exists a really pressing need for nursing staff of all types. And the conditions now existing in this part of Berkshire apply all over the country and in London. Tuberculosis sanatoria are not the only institutions affected. There are the large general hospitals, of the Royal Berkshire type, fever and mental hospitals and lying-in hospitals. In regard to the last named, the dearth of midwives is accentuated by the steady increase in the birth rate since the first quarter of the past year.

  Good Pay

  Specially-increased rates of pay per hour have been approved by the Rushcliffe Committee and the Health Ministry as follows:-
  General or Fever Nursing: Ward Sister 2/10d.; Staff Nurse (S.R.N.) 2/1d; Ditto, (R.F.N.) 2/-; Enrolled Assistant Nurse 2/-. Mental and Sanatoria Nursing: Ward Sister 3/-; Deputy Ward Sister 2/6; Staff Nurse 2/3; Nursing Assistant (Class 1) 2/-. Rates of pay for midwives range from 2s. 1d. to 3s. 8d. per hour. Part-time work on day shifts is normally arranged on a four-hourly basis.
  Work on night shifts is also available if preferred. The services of those who cannot do shifts of the normal length will also be welcomed. providing their attendance is regular.
  Every effort is made to suit individual applicant's domestic arrangements.

  A Fine Career

  "Nursing nowadays offers a fine career for girls," the Matron of Pinewood told me. "It is a satisfying job which makes one feel that one has achieved something really worth while and it is full of interest because of the human contact. There certainly is no monotony about it". "Conditions have improved tremendously within the last few years. There are no longer any petty restrictions and the chances. of promotion are excellent. All hospitals now run social clubs and the staffs have a day and a half off in every seven days. "The social side of a nurse's life receives much more consideration than it did before. Amateur theatricals, concerts and dances play an important part, and where institutions are isolated, transport to the nearest centre is provided regularly. In addition, there are organised motor-coach and other trips to London places of amusement. "By arrangement with the matron, applicants for part-time work can choose their own hours of work, provided they fit in with the general scheme. Good meals are provided and those working a four-hour period would be provided with lunch and tea. Uniform, of course, is also provided."

  The Serious Side

  Here Dr.McCann struck a more serious note. He pointed out that great strides had been made in the last 20 years in the treatment of tuberculosis and the various phases of the treatment opened up a wide field of study for nurses. There were opportunities of assisting with important and delicate operations and, above all, the student nurse had, in addition to her work interest, the knowledge that she was assisting in the great work of improving and maintaining public health.
  A tour of Pinewood convinced me that here, at any rate, a great work was going forward, which had its light and recreational as well as serious side. In spacious well equipped recreation rooms both staff and patients have separate recreation facilities-were radio sets, billiards, darts, cards, etc. In one room was an adequate stage for concerts and plays, and at least two film shows are given every week. Bedrooms for the nurses are well appointed and cheerful, lending themselves to decoration at the will of the occupiers.
  There are also cosy sitting rooms in which fires were burning cheerily. The nurses are allowed to smoke off duty and to entertain friends from outside, male or female, on occasions.

  It is worth noting, by the way, that there is no lack of domestic staff at Pinewood, so that the question of nurses having to do any duty other than attending to patients does not arise. Both whole and part-time women orderlies are required at other L.C.C. hospitals and and sanatoria, however. The rate of pay (shortly to be increased) for this grade of staff is 1s. 6d. an hour.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 07/03/1947

  Comment:-A lovely insight into the working condition of nurses in the 1940's.
  Whilst the article centres on the work of Pinewood both hospitals were dealing with T.B. cases.

   

• London County Council

  Required at Heatherwood Hospital School (Surgical Tuberculosis cases), Ascot, Berks a qualified assistant master or mistress (non- resident) for juniors. Preference given to candidate able to offer handwork. Salary:-Burnham Scale with two additional increments carried beyond maximum. Unqualified teachers, or those awaiting admission to college under Emergency Training Scheme would be considered for temporary employment.
  Forms, (stamped addressed envelope necessary) from Education Officer (S.S.5.), County Hall, S.E.1., returnable by 3rd May, 1947. Canvassing disqualifies.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 18/04/1947

   

• Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, Berkshire

  There are vacancies for State Registered Nurses and State Enrolled Assistant Nurses for Full-time or part-time duty at the above hospital. Rushcliffe rates and conditions of service. For further particulars apply to Matron.
  Extract Wokingham Times 11/07/1947

   

• Earley

  Scout Concert Party-The 1st Earley Scout Concert Party paid a visit to Heatherwood Hospital for crippled children at Ascot on Saturday afternoon. The show of fun and music was greatly enjoyed by the children.
  Extract Reading Standard 01/08/1947

   

• Heatherwood L.C.C. Hospital, Ascot, Berks.

  Domestic Assistants
  required for full-time or part-time employment either resident or non-resident. Rate of pay for a forty-eight hour week is 80s., less 23s. for board, lodging and personal laundry, where the staff choose to be resident.
  Special rates of pay obtain for part-time workers. For further details apply to the Matron.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 28/11/1947

   

• London County Council - Laboratory Technician

  required for duty jointly at Pinewood Sanatorium, Wokingham, Berks, and Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot (to work under the supervision of the pathologist group laboratory St. Mary Abbots Hospital, London, W.8.). Salary £300 by £15 to £375 a year basic; cost of living allowance of £78 (men) and £63 to £72 a year (women) payable in addition.

  Applicants should have had considerable experience in pathological laboratory work. Appointments may be made above the minimum of the scale. Application forms obtainable from the Medical Officer of Health (S.D.2), The County Hall, S.E.1 (stamped addressed envelope) must be returned within 10 days. Canvassing disqualifies.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 05/12/1947

   

• Wedded In Hospital Miller-Gross

  When Mrs. Phyllis Gross, Grange-road, Upper Norwood, was married on Sunday, she went to hospital not to church! The reason was because the bridegroom, Mr. Frack Mir, of Lewisham, was unable to leave his sick bed.
  He has been ill for the past 15 months with spinal trouble. caused through war service.
  So the much-delayed wedding took place at Heatherwood Hospital. Ascot.
  "We should have been married earlier, but Frank was taken ill." the bride told a "News" reporter. "I hope he will be out of hospital by the end of the year"
  A student at London University. Mr. Miller has continued his studies in hospital, for he is anxious to take his B.Sc. honours degree.
  During the war he served with a heavy ack-ack unit.
  Extract Norwood News 09/07/1948

   

• Hospital Play

  About 130 members of the staff and friends of the Heatherwood Hospital enjoyed a 3 - act comedy. "When We Are Married," by J.B.Priestley, on Tuesday.
  It was presented by Southern Railway Dramatic Society, and produced by Eric Simons.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 19/11/1948

   

• Ascot British Legion Branch

  Annual Meeting
  A large gathering of members attended the annual general meeting of the Ascot branch of the British Legion, held at the ex-Service men's Club on Monday, under the chairmanship of the president, Major-Gen. Coates. After the Exhortation had been read by Mr.W.E.Robbens, the secretary, Mr. H.A. Grimshaw, presented his report, which referred to the help given in pension, training and housing cases. He stated that 65 members attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and the present membership of the Branch was 242.

  The treasurer, Mr.W.E.Robbens, reported a good balance in hand, and announced that this Christmas each ex-Service man in Heatherwood Hospital will receive 20 cigarettes, a writing pad and pencil.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 19/11/1948

  Comment:-Long before the dangers of cigarettes was known.

   

• Hospital Prize Giving

  Heatherwood Hospital Nurses held their prize giving at the hospital last week. Miss Henry, who distributed the prizes, was welcomed by the Matron, Miss E.Key, and the Medical Superintendent, Mr.L.Key. She was presented with a bouquet of chrysanthemums by Nurse Eileen Payne. Miss Henry enlarged on the good work the nurses were doing. A musical evening followed, Miss Hollowell being the visiting pianist, and Miss Turner the violinist. Nurses rendered solos and duets, and refreshments were served.

  Prize winners were:
  Top of Hospital Final Exam., Nurse Muriel Howard; surgery, Nurse Brenda Rolfe;
  perseverance, Nurse Patricia Crop;
  best practical 2nd year nurse, Nurse Brenda Rolfe;
  tidiest bedroom, Nurse Dorothy Reid;
  most promising 1st year nurse, Nurse Florence Pennington.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 03/12/1948

  Comment:-A nice reward for the nurses of the day.

   

• Patients of Ward 5, Heatherwood Hospital

  Made 40 felt toys for the Red Cross Christmas Fair held at the Town Hall, Reading. A patient in Ward 4 contributed two model aeroplanes. Money raised at the Fair will be used to further the work of the Red Cross in Berkshire.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 10/12/1948

   

• Hospital Heatherwood Party

  The Hospital children's school party was held on Wednesday in the Hospital. assembly hall, which was prettily decorated, large illuminated Christmas trees being arranged each side.

  The audience comprised 40 children of all ages, 10 of them in bed and on spinal frames. The head teacher, Mrs.J.Macnaughton Smith, who organised the party, introduced Miss D. Stainer and her pupils, from Sunningdale. With Mrs. Kathleen Pope at the piano, they gave several ballet dances, and there was a conjuring turn by Mr.Middleton Burn.

  The pupils visited all the patients and gave each a balloon. The children were also given bags of sweets, iced. cakes and ice cream.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 17/12/1948

   

• Hospital Festivities

  At Heatherwood Hospital on Christmas Eve the Nursing staff visited all the wards and sang carols, finishing in the kitchen, where they were given refreshments.

  On Christmas Day, Santa Claus visited each of the children's wards and distributed presents from the Christmas trees. Men, women and children had plenty of Christmas fare.

  In the afternoon a men versus women whist drive was held. On Sunday there was tea for visitors. On Boxing Day a variety concert was given in Ward 3 by a group of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides from Earley.

  The boys from Ward 1 were also invited, Mr.G.Butcher, Scoutmaster at Heatherwood proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the children.

  On Boxing night the annual nurses' dinner took place.. Speeches were made by the Medical Superintendent, Mr Key, and the Matron. This was followed by games and dancing in the lounge of the Nurses' Home.
  Extract Wokingham Times 31/12/1948

   

• Ascot Scouts' Birthday

  Heatherwood Hospital Scouts and Cubs celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the founding of the Group last week with a film show and a supper. On Wednesday a two-hour "talkie" film show was given in the "Scout Ward" by Mr.Cecil Morgan, Thanks to the support of the Hospital. staff the girls of Ward Three were able to join the audience. The hearty cheers led by Mr.A.G.Newton (Asst. County Commissioner for Handicapped Scouts and founder Scout- master) showed how much the performance was appreciated.

  This show was financed by money raised by the boys themselves, and donations from the Local Association, the Crowthorne Sandhurst and 1st Earley Groups and other friends.

  On Saturday evening tables laden with cakes of all kinds given by generous friends awaited the arrival of the main item of the "feast' fish and chips! This was followed by a trifle made by Ward Sister Daley.

  Among friends who joined in the celebrations, were the district Commissioner, the Rev. G.R. Webster; Mr.Miles and Mr.Kirby, Scouters from Sandhurst, with one of their Patrol Leaders, Mr.Alan Butcher and the Troop Staff Mr. G. Butcher (Scoutmaster) Mr.B. Lundy (Assistant), Mr.Beasley (Instructor) and Mr.Newton
  Extract Wokingham Times 14/01/1949

   

• Ascot Hospital Presentation

  A farewell party was held at Heatherwood Hospital on Tuesday for Sister M.M.R. Finnemore, who has retired after nearly 23 years there.
  Sister Finnemore was trained at Leeds General Hospital, and came to Heatherwood when it was a hospital for children only. The party was quite informal, and was attended by all sections of the staff. There was dancing to a radiogram.
  Sister Finnemore was presented with a cheque for £14 10s. by the Matron, Miss Key, who paid tribute to her loyal service and expressed the hope that her retirement would bring much happiness.
  Sister Finnemore made a suitable reply.
  Extract Wokingham Times 04/02/1949

   

• Ascot Rotarians Entertain Children

  On Friday evening last the boy and girl patients of Heatherwood Hospital were entertained by the members of the Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale Rotary Club.
  After tea in Ward 1, which included chicken, Mr. Morgan provided a film show, consisting of a Mickey Mouse cartoon and a full-length film, "They Met in the Dark," a thrilling tale of espionage.
  A number of the Rotarians attended, including Mr.Kaye (president) and Mr.Jackson, who arranged the tea. Mr.Newton expressed thanks to the Rotarians.
  Extract Wokingham Times 11/02/1949

   

• Windsor Group Hospital Management Committee

  Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, Berks.
  Student nurses required for this hospital, which treats orthopaedic conditions in adults and children. Salary and conditions of service in accordance with Rushcliffe recommendations, ... 1st year's training allowance of £200, less £100 payable for board and lodging. Enquiries to the Matron at once.
  Extract The Scotsman 10/06/1949

  Comment:-In 1948 the National Health Service was created and management of the hospital was passed to Windsor Group Hospital Management Committee.

   

• S.E. Berks Boy Scouts Association

  The 28th annual report of the South-East Berks Boy Scouts' Association, whose president is Princess Marie Louise, reveals a very successful year.
  A welcome improvement in the expansion of the Scout movement in the district is recorded. There are now 14 groups, comprising 10 Wolf Cub packs, 13 Scout troops, one Senior Scout troop, and one Rover crew. The Cubs total 226, Scouts 313, and Scouters and helpers 42.
  During the year, two new Wolf Cup packs have been formed -the 2nd Sandhurst and 1st Crowthorne Groups.

  Decorations for 15 years' qualifying service as Scouters have been presented to the Rev. G. R. Webster, District Commissioner, who lives at Sunningdale; Mr.A.G. Newton, A.C.C. Handicapped Scouts, of Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, and Mr.B.C.L. Kemp. G.S.M., 1st Wellington College.

  During the year five first-class and 39 second class badges have been awarded to Scouts, and four new Leaping Wolf badges to Cubs.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 09/09/1949

   

• Heatherwood Hospital Social Club's Fete and Horticultural Show

  The Heatherwood Hospital Social Club held their first sports day, fete and horticultural show at the Ascot Racecourse Car Park on Saturday. The organisers were Miss M.Steel, Club secretary; Mr.A.K.Goldsworthy, group welfare officer; and Mr.R.J.Oliver.
  There were numerous sideshows, and many were attracted to the sports. The entries for the horticultural show were very fair. The prizes were presented by Dr.Aherne, and the winners in the 32 classes included: W.Clark, E.Foreman, A.Alcock. E. Collett, H.Grimshaw, A.Jennings, Mr.Oliver, Mrs.Wharton, Miss Somervill, Miss Furlong, Miss Pennington and Miss Franklin,
  Winners in the sports events were: Egg and spoon (children): 1. T.Clarke; 2, Susan Spiers; 3, David Walker.
  Egg and spoon (adults): 1, Peter Fox; 2, Mrs.Bradshaw.
  Wheelbarrow race: 1, Mrs. Bradshaw and Desmond Bradshaw; 2, Mrs.Stuart and C.Matthews; 3, M.Cairns and B. Tucker.
  100 yards, women: 1, M.Clarke; 2, S.Squires.
  100 yards,men: 1, Mr.Tideswell; 2, Mr.Ruddick.
  Sack race, women: 1, S.Squires;, 2. Nurse Hillman.
  Sack race, men: 1, Mr. Tideswell; 2, G.Chowney.
  Three-legged race: 1, R.Weller and G.Tomlinson; 2, T.Clarke and J.Tidbury; 3, M.Clarke and Chamberlin.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 09/09/1949

   

• Windsor R.D.C

  Strong Views Expressed on Transfer of Cottage Hospital
  Council's Petition

  Great concern as to the future of the Royal Victoria Hospital, South Ascot was expressed at the meeting of The Wander Rural District Council meeting on Monday when a letter from Mr. G.Bailward of South Ascot, was read informing the Council that the Windsor Group Hospital Committee under the instructions of the North West Metropolitan Regent Hospital Board, were shortly to make the Royal Victoria hospital an annexe of Heatherwood Orthopaedic Hospital. Its purpose being for specialised purposes, To chairman (Mr.J.W.Kaye) said he had also received a letter from Mr.Bailward asking for his intervention as soon as possible.

  Mr G. W. Allen, Clerk of the Council, said he had written to the Secretary of the Windsor Hospital Group for further information on the matter, and also to 10 medical practitioners In the district and had received replies from two, and that the group had informed him that alternative arrangements would be made for the local people, and also accommodation for the district nurses. The annexe they said, would accommodate 15 cases for Heatherwood,

  MD. H.Peyton, said she had been associated with the local hospital since 1919, and that her husband was at one time its chairman, She urged the Council to strongly oppose the taking over of the hospital and said that it was appalling That it should be taken away from the local people when it had been supported by them during the years. Major T.Tufnell agreed with Mrs.Peyton, and said it was going to create a tremendous hardship as many folk used the hospital who could not get into Windsor. Captain E. W.MacKichan asked "where will the people go for the attention of minor ailments when they are unable to get treatment at Windsor He too thought it was a deplorable state of affairs. Miss, Peyton then suggested that the hospital group should be met by a deputation from the Council and that the Council should not accept the taking over the hospital without a great struggle.

  It was decided to elect Mrs. D.H.Peyton, Mr.J.W.Kaye and Capt. E.W.MacKichan to serve as a sub-committee and to meet the Windsor Group Hospital Management Committee. The Council then passed a resolution, opposing the Hospital group's decision to make the Royal Victoria Nursing Home an annexe of Heatherwood Hospital, and requesting clarification on what alternative arrangements were being made for the local people if the hospital were taken over.
  The chairman said he would see that the feeling of the local people would be brought to the notice of those concerned. Mr.Bailward, who was an observer at the council meeting told a "Times and Weekly News" reporter that he would go forward with his petition to the local people which read:

  "We the people of Ascot, South Ascot, Sunninghill, Sunningdale, Bracknell, and district, having heard that the Windsor Group Hospital Management Committee has decided to hand the Royal Victoria Cottage Hospital of South Ascot over to the Heatherwood Orthopaedic Centre which would use it as an adjunct for its specialised work, and being convinced that in that case it would not be possible for us to receive the manifold local services previously performed by the Cottage Hospital we earnestly beg of you to intervene in this matter and to persuade the Windsor Group Committee to continue our Cottage Hospital which we greatly value. This petition is being sent to the Ministry of Health and a copy to the Windsor Group."

  The Royal Victoria Nursing Home came into existence long before the first world war, and was founded by a Mrs.Liddel of Ascot, Great interest in the home was also taken by Lady Durning Lawrence, of King's Ride. Ascot, and also Mr.Ferard who lived at Ascot Place and then Winkfield Manor. It has always been a paying concern and is well equipped. One of its suites is in memory of Dr.Mawhood who gave the home great service when he was the local doctor of the district.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 23/09/1949

   

• Easthampstead R.D.C.

  Protest At the meeting yesterday (Thursday) of the Easthampstead Rural District Council, Mr. C.G.Thake moved that the Council protest to the Ministry of Health against the proposal to take over the Ascot Cottage Hospital as an annexe to the Heatherwood Hospital. With the Windsor and other hospitals "overloaded," he did not think it was an opportune time to make such a change, said Mr.Thake.

  Speaking in support of the motion, which was agreed to, Mr.A.Gough said he had. probably taken more children to the Cottage Hospital for minor operations than anyone else. It is more like a private house, and children. are not so afraid of going there as they sometimes are to larger hospitals," he added.
  Extract Wokingham Times 30/09/1949

   

• Royal Victoria Nursing Home

  Protests Against Taking Over By Heatherwood Hospital
  Local feeling regarding the taking over of the Royal Victoria Nursing Home, South Ascot, by the Heatherwood Hospital, is steadily growing. Mr.Bailward, of South Ascot, who is organising the petition against the project. told a "Times and Weekly News" correspondent that over 2.600 people have signed it, and that the support of local doctors is 100 per cent. Major Buteel, of the Ascot Authority, has written a special protest and other objectors are the Ascot Stationmaster. Miss Henry. Divisional President of the British Red Cross in the area: Mrs. Dudley Charles, of the W.V.S.; local schools, and many employers.
  The Windsor Hospital Group Committee will meet on October 13th to discuss the request for a deputation from the Windsor Rural District Council. All the Parish Councils of the district Sunninghill, Winkfield, and Sunningdale are also protesting.
  Men are at the Nursing Home measuring up for alterations, and the committee at Heatherwood are still confident. however, that the Home will be an annexe of Heatherwood Hospital.
  Extract Times & weekly News 07/10/1949

   

• Royal Victoria Nursing Home

  Regarding the proposal to make the Royal Victoria Hospital an annexe of Heatherwood Hospital, Mr.C.G.Thake moved that a protest should be sent to the Ministry asking" them to suspend action until the hospitals are not so loaded. as they are today.

  "Even this little hospital helps to relieve Windsor." he declared. On Supporting the motion, Mr.Gough said that he had probably taken more children to the Ascot Hospital for minor operations than anyone else. account of it being like a private house, the children did not view it with the alarm that was sometimes the case with big hospitals.The proposal was carried.
  Extract Wokingham Times 07/10/1949

   

• Ascot

  Presentation
  Many of the staff at Heatherwood Hospital were present at a dance and cabaret held in the New Hall of the Hospital on Thursday of last week, in honour of the Matron, Miss E.C.Key, who is retiring. Miss Osborn (sister tutor) presented the Matron with a cheque and pigskin suitcase, initialled in gold, a gift from all the staff of the various departments of the hospital. Miss Key has held her present position for 13 years.

  During the war she served in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Nursing Service, spending most of her time overseas. Short speeches were made praising her work, and expressing regret that she is retiring. Miss Key thanked the Staff for their very kind gift, and said she meant to enjoy herself in her retirement, and was going to do a great deal of travelling. The evening concluded with refreshments.

  The new Matron has been appointed. She is Miss Doris Howes, and will be taking up her duties shortly.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 04/11/1949

  Comment:- The mention of the new hall indicates for the first time that the social hall was built in the late 1940's. Previously we had no concrete evidence to support when it was constructed.

  The new matron has featured on a number of these web site pages,she made the news in 1965 when she retired.

    Press Stories 1965  

• The South Ascot Nursing Home

  M.P's Opposition To Annexation
    During his speech at the Conservative meeting held at South Ascot on Friday last, Major Mott-Radclyffe, M.P. for Windsor, gave details of the action he had taken to prevent the South Ascot Nursing Home being made an annexe of Heatherwood Hospital.

  He said that three hours before he left left London on Friday he had received the following letter from the Minister of Health, Mr.Aneurin Bevan:-" Thank you for your letter of the 12th of October, about the Royal Victoria Cottage Hospital at South Ascot, and for the petition from local residents who are protesting against the proposals for its future use.

  "I am shortly to meet representatives of the North-West Metropolitan Regional Board to discuss, inter alia, general policy regarding changes of uses of cottage hospitals, of which this is one. The appropriate action in individual cases must, of course, depend on local circumstances and local needs and difficulties, but I can assure you that the points made in your letter will certainly be taken into consideration."

  Case In Point
    Major Mott-Radclyffe emphasised the need of preserving the Nursing Home for local people, and said that over 600 persons were waiting for beds at Windsor Hospital.

  Mr.F.Green, of Sunninghill, questioned Major Mott-Radclyffe on the Nursing Home being called a hospital, and spoke of its vital importance to the area. He said that he took a child there with a badly cut finger, and was told that he must take the patient to Windsor Hospital for treatment.
  Extract Wokingham Times 11/11/1949

   

• Ascot,Girl Guides at Hospital

  The 1st Warfield Girl Guide Company visited Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, on Saturday, and entertained the patients with a repeat performance of their two shows at Warfield and Bracknell earlier in the year.

  The entertainment was well received, most of the audience being crippled Guides, Scouts and Brownies. While tea was being served, the Matron and Sister (Miss Moore, Guider in charge of Heatherwood) gave a talk on the work of the extension companies.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 18/11/1949

   

• Circus animals visit children in hospital

  Animals from Bertram Mills' Circus visited Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, on Thursday of last week. much to the delight of the child patients. The children were thrilled by rides in a carriage drawn by four black Shetland ponies, but they declined "lifts" proffered by a llama and a dromedary.

  Two black and white ponies were much admired.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 09/12/1949

   

• Crowthorne

  Scout Carollers
  The 1st Crowthorne Scout Group carol party will be out on Wednesday and Friday of next week. They will include hand-bell items in their programme. The proceeds are to be divided equally between the handicapped Scout Troop at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, and the Roland House Scout Settlement in East London, which suffered extreme bomb damage during the war.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 16/12/1949

   

• Santa visits "Long-stay" Patients

  Gifts from New Zealand for young and old inmates of Heatherwood Hospital
  Father Christmas presents Maureen Dashper, aged eight, with a packet of sweets. In the group are Miss Lana Morris, Peter Wilson, Harold Warrender, the Mayor and Mayoress of Windsor, the Deputy Mayor and the Matron of Heatherwood Hospital.

  Comment:-

  Maureen Dashper

   

  
  Maureen Dashper
  The above text captioned a picture
  of Santa and those named.
  For copyright reasons
  We are unable to show the picture.
  We do however have a picture of Maureen Dashper taken in October 1949.
  Click to Enlarge:-

   

  Last Saturday afternoon brought a great change from the ordinary hospital routine to all the patients of Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, when they were given a special Christmas party by the Windsor branch of Toc.H. Heatherwood Hospital, built In 1921 by the United Services Fund for ex-Service men's children, was given to the London County Council 13 years later, and since 1948 has been run by the Ministry of Health. In 1940 adult patients were evacuated there from St. Luke's Hospital, Lowestoft, For several years the Medical Superintendent was Dr.A.J.Colvin, who is now at Middlemere Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

  In December the patients numbered nearly 200, whose ages ranged from babies of one year to veterans of 70 and over. Among them were displaced persons from various countries in Europe. In this "long-stay" hospital for tuberculosis and orthopaedic ailments many of the patients are spinal cases. nursed on long, hard, narrow plaster beds, while others have their limbs in plaster, or wear metal splints. Their trials have not deterred, the patients Working at studying. The children have attended classes held in the Wards and some of the older ones have studied for degrees or worked at handicrafts

  Distinguished Visitors

  For Saturday's party all the adult patients, and many of the staff, assembled in the men's ward, Mr.Keith Goldsworthy. Welfare Officer for the Windsor Group Hospital, introduced the Mayor of Windsor, Councillor R H.Tozer, who said how glad he was to attend the party and. on behalf of himself and the Mayoress (Mrs, Tozer) wished everyone the happiest Christmas possible and a speedy recovery to good health. The guests included Lana Morris, the radio and film star; Harold Warrender, of B.B.C. fame; Peter Wilson, sports columnist of the "Sunday Pictorial": the Deputy Mayor of Windsor. Alderman F.I.Fuzzens: and the "Aspro " Concert Party. After Lana Morris had spoken to the patients. Harold Warrender and Peter Wilson entertained them and the Aspro" Concert Party gave their show.

  While the concert continued the other guests went over to the Children's Wards where the little inmates had waited anxiously, but patiently, for Father Christmas. They had not waited in vain, for Santa arrived with a load of sweets piled high on a sleigh, the very one used in the film "Scott of the Antarctic." The sweets were part of a large amount bought with £5,000 provided by various donors in New Zealand.

  Noisy Welcome

  In the first ward were 42 children, small boys under five years of age and girls up to 17. Those children who could walk crowded round the sleigh and the guests helped to distribute the sweets. Father Christmas then went on to the boys' Ward where 38 boys gave him a most enthusiastic, and noisy, welcome. The sleigh was soon unloaded. The sleigh was then re-loaded and sweets were taken to all the older patients. who also received gifts given by the people of Windsor and surrounding districts.

  Later in the evening Mr.Goldsworthy thanked the guests, the people of Windsor and New Zealand and the Hospital staff for the grand party. and so ended a red letter day for the Heatherwood Hospital.
  Extract Times & Weekly News 23/12/1949

  Comment:- Another report on the gifts from New Zealand is also shared on our scouts and guides page.

    Scouts & Guides