Charitable, witty and courageous, and she didn't mince her words!
Listen 00:09:20
Story: Connie Foster, Sue Boram - Barking, East London
Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
Barking, London
The Friends of Barking Hospital has been a vital part of the hospital for nearly 60 years. During that time, volunteers have fundraised in all sorts of ways from tabletop sales in the entrance of the hospital to organising a hospital fete, bringing in thousands of pounds for urgent equipment for the hospital. This includes a specialist baby incubator, which over the years has saved the lives of many premature babies. And it is not only a financial contribution that the Friends provide – it is also a warmth and personal touch to what can otherwise be a very lonely place. Volunteers have brought library trolleys and flowers to the wards, lent a friendly ear to patients, and even dressed as Santa, bringing gifts to children in hospital Christmas. To this day, the Friends are a pillar of the hospital, and the community.
What would come to be known as Barking Hospital in fact began its life in 1893 as The Upney Isolation Hospital. Here, patients were treated for infectious diseases like scarlet fever and tuberculosis, each of which caused long-standing epidemics in the 19th century. Initially the hospital operated out of two wooden huts: a small, stoic clinic for local mothers and children, standing proudly on the Upney Meadows.
In the 1930’s, the council expand the hospital to include a new ward block and a nurses’ home, purchasing new land and upscaling the facility to better meet the needs of patients and staff. The hospital stood parallel to the railway line, and an expanse of open field. Once they had started to recover, some patients used the space to play football matches!
In 1936, the Upney Maternity Pavilion was established on the same site. The hospital was now comprised of two separate units, one for maternity patients (22 beds), and one for infectious diseases (108 beds).
During the war, hospital beds were desperately needed to deal with the increased casualties. The maternity pavilion was evacuated, and the facilities were transformed into an Emergency Medical Services hospital, dealing principally with air raid victims. Throughout the war, local volunteers continually stepped up to help at the hospital. So much blood was donated in fact that it helped to supply other local hospitals as well.
In 1948 both the maternity and infectious diseases hospitals joined the NHS, merging under the name ‘Barking Hospital’, with 108 beds. During the 1950’s hospital principally served female patients, and there was a reputable maternity and gynaecology unit.
Towards the end of the 50’s, the hospital renovated its facilities once more. In 1959, the Ross Ward was opened for surgical patients, and an additional Recreation Hall was constructed for residents. The Hospital’s League of Friends raised a huge £25,000 for the Hall’s construction, and continue to raise funds for hospital equipment today.
Over the course of the next 20 years, the hospital continued to expand its services. It was decided by the management committee that the facility should become a general hospital, leading to significant reworkings. In 1960, a Special Baby Care Unit opened, as well as a Leg Unit the following year. By 1970, the hospital had 286 beds, still primarily for acute and maternity cases, rising to 314 by 1987.
The hospital then came under new management several times, and in 1993 was taken over by the Redbridge Health Care Trust. Over the next 10 years services began to decrease, and much of the site was sold and converted into housing and care facilities. By 2000, only one of the four wards remained operational.
In 2009 however, after much of the site had been sold or demolished, it was decided that it was time to rebuild. £12m was allocated by the managing trust towards a new extension, which was completed in 2011. Facilities included out-patient, mental health, sexual health, and GP services.
The hospital was officially reopened by MP Margaret Hodge in 2013, and continues to provide invaluable services to the community. Likewise, the League of Friends continues to work alongside hospital staff and patients, and has recently raised money for shielding equipment for their own tea bar and other hospital departments. Even through the pandemic, the Friends have found volunteers always willing to step up and lend a helping hand to their community hospital.
Listen 00:09:20
Story: Connie Foster, Sue Boram - Barking, East London
Listen 00:19:23
Story: Irene Thompson - Barking, East London
Listen 00:23:06
Story: Eric Feasey - Barking, East London